Kayla Renee Elder
Kayla Renee Elder, 24, of Roanoke, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 7, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her great grandparents: Bill and Helen Elder and Ray and Theda Hanus, grandmother: Denise Kershner, great-aunts: Mary Saindon and Sara Minda, cousins: Dan Saindon, Joe Saindon, and Jacob Pitera, and beloved first boss Louis Hill.
The family is also deeply sorrowful over the untimely passing of Kayla’s long time boyfriend, Matthew Chapman, whom she loved dearly.
Left to cherish her incredible memory are her mother, Rebekah Pitera; her big brother, Chris Green; her little sister, Claire Pitera; her stepfather, Joey Pitera; her grandparents, Jim and Judy Elder; her oldest and dearest friend, Renee Kratz Avis (Rich); uncles, Jordan Pitera (Cara), Jarred Pitera, and Nick Minda; aunt, Emily Brown; cousins, Dustin and Gabe, Jace and Mia; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins spanning from Florida, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Her family also wishes to extend condolences to all the wonderful friends, coworkers, clients, customers, and campers who had the privilege of knowing and loving Kayla.
Kayla wore many hats throughout her short but remarkable life. Her first job was at McAlister’s Deli of Roanoke where she made lifelong friends and chosen family. She went on to serve as security at the Salem VA Medical Center during the earliest days of Covid19. She later served as patrol security with Brosnan at Wal-Mart. In pursuit of her lifelong passion for the beauty industry, she landed a position with Ulta (#608) and worked there while studying to become a licensed esthetician. Upon receiving her license, Kayla was hired by not one but two local spas, eventually committing fully to the one that brought her the most fulfillment: Aphrodite Salon and Spa in Vinton, VA. There, she continued to hone her skills as a professional esthetician while apprenticing as a nail technician. She never grew tired of learning about anything in the “beauty-verse”.
Kayla was as strong as she was sweet. A survivor of a serious burn accident during her teens, she was invited to attend Central Virginia Burn Camp. After several years as a camper, she proudly returned to the camp as a counselor, using her own experience to encourage and support others. Camp was always one of her top priorities, and she planned her summer around it each year.
Kayla had a tremendous love for animals, especially her own beloved cat, Binx and dog, Milo. Music and traveling were among her favorite hobbies and with her best friend, Renee, she made many concert trips over the years to see their beloved 5SoS, once even Bruno Mars. She also adored the times she was able to accompany Matthew and his family on their annual beach trip. If it involved a trip she was in! She loved her siblings dearly; even recently becoming a part-time gamer just to be able to spend time with them.
Her family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many special friends Kayla made throughout each chapter of her life.
A celebration of Kayla’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Lynnhaven Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made to Central Virginia Burn Camp, 1960 Candlewyck Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22901.
For anyone who wishes to also honor the love they shared and her beloved Matthew, his celebration of life will be on Friday, September 18, 2026 at 10:30 am, at Our Lady of Nazareth, 2505 Electric Ave., Roanoke, VA 24018.
Kayla's life was far too short, but the strength, sweetness, laughter, and love she shared with others will remain in the hearts of everyone who knew her. Her memory will live on through the people she loved, the lives she touched, and the many who were made stronger because of knowing her.
