Kelly Anne Gorton

Kelly Gorton was welcomed into Heaven on August 13, 2022. Kelly, named after her Great, Great Grandmother Mable Rose “Kelly” Dennis, was born in November 1974 in Portland, Oregon, the only daughter of Roger and Lora Carter. Shortly after, the family moved to their forever home in Corbett, Oregon, in the foothills of Mt. Hood, where Kelly attended grade school and high school. While in high school, Kelly was the yearbook editor, basketball scorekeeper, track and field statistician, and graduated Salutatorian of her class. Kelly was also the first recipient of the Eugene O’Neil award in Corbett for outstanding student. She continued her education at Mt. Hood Community College and Portland State University before transferring to the University of Montana in Missoula. She graduated with honors with Bachelor’s Degrees in Medical Technology and Microbiology.

When at the University of Montana, Kelly met Mike Gorton. They married in June 2000 in Sherwood, Oregon, having relocated there after graduation. In 2005 they moved to Spokane, Washington, and welcomed their son Ryan in 2007 before settling in Walla Walla, Washington, in 2008.

Kelly’s greatest accomplishments were as a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, and dear friend. Kelly also worked as a Certified Medical Laboratory Scientist at hospitals and a physician’s clinic in Missoula, Portland, Spokane, and finally, Walla Walla. Kelly was an active volunteer in her communities, donating her time and talents to parent-teacher organizations and other school committees, and Scouts. She spent her free time with family, mountain biking, hiking, camping, visiting our National Parks, loving on her dogs, and particularly enjoyed crocheting and quilting. Kelly also never hesitated to pick up a hammer, brush, roller, shovel, or run a power saw to help with the many home and landscaping projects she and Mike took on over the years.

Kelly leaves behind her husband of 22 years, Mike, and son Ryan of Walla Walla; father and mother Roger and Lora Carter of Corbett; brother Don, his wife Hillary, and their children Emma and Cody Carter, also of Corbett; Grandmother Barbara Carter of Gresham, Oregon; Father-in-Law Greg Gorton of Otis Orchards, Washington; and numerous aunts and uncles, cousins, and many other relatives and friends. Kelly was preceded in death by her Mother-in-Law, Paula Gorton, and several grandparents.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home, with Reverend Steve Morris Officiating.

Memorial Contributions in Kelly’s name may be made to your local Human Society of choice through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362