McKenna Leigh Empey, 24, passed away on May 26, 2026. Born in Idaho Falls, ID, on June 8, 2001, to Jessica (Empey) Jones, McKenna was surrounded by an adoring family from the very beginning. Her huge personality, quick wit, and infectious smile quickly made her the center of attention, spending her first year closely bonded with her mom, her grandmother Angela, and her uncle Kody.

From an early age, McKenna possessed a brilliant imagination and a heart full of love. She loved elephants and sunflowers, symbols that perfectly reflected her gentle spirit and bright personality. A true water baby, she loved swimming, frequently racing down the water slides at Eagle Island with her family and even teaching her younger siblings how to swim. She spent endless childhood days riding bicycles, exploring, and creating adventures. She brought immense joy to her family, often filling the room with laughter while watching her favorite movies like Scooby-Doo, Shark Tale, and Monsters, Inc.

When McKenna was a toddler, Jesse Whitney stepped into the role of "dad." She took great pride in becoming a big sister to Alyssa in 2005 and Jordan in 2006, naturally stepping into her gift for nurturing and looking after the people she loved. At age 13, McKenna connected with her biological father, Peter Lewis. To build their relationship, she spent time living between Kuna with her mother and Idaho Falls with her father and stepmother, Marsha Parris. McKenna later attended Lincoln High School and successfully earned her GED.

An avid outdoors enthusiast, McKenna loved camping, fishing, listening to music, and drawing. She was known for her generous spirit, her stubborn determination, and a sharp, quick-witted sense of humor. Above all, she treasured her massive, blended family and her close friends, always willing to help anyone in need.

McKenna battled addiction for several years. At the time of her passing, she was actively in treatment, determined to better herself and conquer her disease. In her honor, she would want anyone facing similar struggles to know they are not alone, urging them to reach out to family, friends, and community resources for help.

On her mother's side, McKenna was preceded in death by her great-grandparents, Frank Jones and Delores Isaacoff. She was preceded in death on her father's side by her grandfather, Aaron Valentine Lewis, Jr., and her uncle, Aaron Lewis.

On her mother's side she is survived by her mother, Jessica Jones; sister, Alyssa Whitney; brother, Jordan Whitney; grandmother “Nana" Angela Jones; uncle, Kody Empey; and on her father's side, father, Peter Lewis; grandmother, Rosemarie Lewis; bonus mom, Marsha Parris; sisters: Elijah Beers, Alyssa Hillman, Naveah Lewis, Mckye Parris, Taycha Lewis, and Maizee Lewis-Parris; and brothers: Kason Lewis-Parris (Kassidy) and Quinton Lewis-Parris; bonus Grandmother, Merribeth Chiles (Jeff Baird “Papa Peaches”); and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews on both sides, who all adored and loved her very much.

A Celebration of Life will be held in McKenna’s honor on June 13, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Heritage Park, 2194 Snake River Pkwy, Idaho Falls. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.