Kayla Vivian (Crandall) Kays lost her brave fight to cancer on July 12th, 2025. Kayla was born in Norwich to Tom (Kim Gregory) Crandall and Lesa Babcock and graduated from Norwich High School where she was a cheerleader for four years. She worked at the NYS Veterans Home where she worked and trained to obtain her CNA license. She then worked at Chenango Memorial Hospital’s Nursing Home, Springbook  and then finally moving to Pathfinder Village where she worked through  her last setback. Kayla loved working with the residents and treated them like her own family. Kayla had a smile that would light up the room when she entered. She loved going to concerts and her music. She could sing any song that would come on the radio.  Kayla touched many people’s lives from her days of cheerleading to working at the hospital until she went to work at Pathfinder Village. Kayla fought a very brave and tough fight with multiple treatments and surgeries. She will always be remembered anytime a sunflower is seen.
Besides her parents Kayla is survived by her husband, Zachary Kays, mother and father-in-law Colleen and Seth Usherwood, maternal grandmother Ramona Pike, grandmother Beverly Babcock, half sister Heather (Beau) York, step-siblings, Kristen Treacy, Tracie (Seth Barrow) Ames, Aaron (Jennifer) Babcock and Kelly Babcock, Danelle Nolan, Mallory Schulz, Meagan Hersch, sister-in-laws Skylar Kays, Keagan Usherwood, and Rowan Usherwood, aunts and uncles Craig (Sandy) Pike, Rae Anne (Herbert) Gross, Robert (Cherie) Crandall, and Linda (Richard) Nolan. She is also survived by special cousin Kendell (Gary) DuVall whom she had a special bond with that was unbreakable, and Cory (Denise) Pike who Kayla fought with like they were brother and sister, best friend Courtney (Jesse) Buell and two special boys Layton and Daxton that loved their aunt Kayla, many other cousins, nieces and nephew, great-cousins and one great-niece; as well as special cheerleading coach that became family Marie (Bug) Loughren.
Kayla was predeceased by her stepfather Mark Babcock, maternal grandfather Roger Pike and paternal grandparents Kasson and Marie Crandall.
Per Kayla’s wishes there will be a private Celebration of Life.
Plis Funeral Home, Marcellus, is assisting the family at this time, condolences for the family may be left at plisfuneralhome.com.