Katie Renee Valla passed away on July 25, 2009. Katie was born in Lompoc on July 27, 1984. She was diagnosis at 18 months of age, with Tuberous Sclerosis, a very rare debilitating disease. Katie exceeded the doctors life expectancy by almost 15 years. Katie was a fighter and proved it by overcoming many obstacles that the doctors stated were unattainable.

Katie attended many Lompoc area schools, and after "graduating," she attended UCP Work, Inc., up until her last surgery in which she loved very much.

Katie is survived by her parents, Tony and Elaine Valla; sisters Leah Valla of Sacramento, Jacalyn Valla of Lompoc; brother, Joseph Valla of Lompoc; and her grandmother, Mick Overman, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Peter and Betty Valla, Richard "Dick" Overman and her beloved aunt and namesake Katie Beckley.

Katie loved life and people-especially babies, she loved dancing, Disneyland and going to her family's ranch to feed the cows and ride the quads with her dad. Katie loved everyone she met and could be often quoted as saying, "You're the best- whole world," and "you're so cute." Always a positive force in everyone's life.

A graveside service will be held at the Lompoc Evergreen Cemetery Pavilion on Thursday, July 30, 2009, at 1 pm with Pastor Bob Robison of North Avenue Baptist Church presiding.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Katie's name to one of the organizations that touched her life: UCP Work, Inc., 3070 Skyway Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93455; Tri-Counties Regional Center, 1234 Fairway Dr., Suite 100, Santa Maria, CA 93455; or National Tuberous Sclerosis Association, P.O.. Box 29953, Baltimore, MD 21298-8132.