To know her was to love her!  Those fortunate to be illuminated by Kala’s light, will miss her infectious love, laughter and uncanny wisdom (she had an amazing BS detector.)  She was extremely generous and would give the shirt off her back to someone in greater need.
Kala passed away on March 18, 2020, with her partner of 30 years, Greg Berndt, by her side.  One of her favorite and regular adventures was to travel to Montana and Colorado to spend time with her daughter, Layla Holt.  She was an avid Food Network viewer who would tell you she enjoyed cooking, but we know she preferred the eating rather than the cooking.
Kala was a proud Texan – born in Cleburne, TX to Alvin and Patsy Bicknell – but spent most of her adult life in Barstow, CA and Salt Lake City, UT.  She is preceded in death by her father, Alvin Bicknell, and sister, DiAnn Givens.  Kala is survived by her partner of 30 years, Greg Berndt; her daughter, Layla Holt; her mother, Patsy Hickam; her sister, Lisa Counts; three stepchildren – Jason Greer, Justin Berndt and Jodi Gehring; five grandchildren; and a large extended Texas family.    
The family would like to thank the team at Intermountain Hospital in Murray, UT for taking such wonderful care of Kala and requests any sentiments be donated to the hospital in her name.
A celebration of life is being planned for Kala in April.