June 12, 1987 to August 19, 2025. Ayla was a twin but unfortunately,  her twin was lost before birth, but I do think her personality had the shining light that both would have brought to this world.  This is what made her so loving and so kind to others, always willing to help out and give her time no matter what.  Her personality was a big light in a lot of people’s dark places. Even when she had her own, she never let go of her sweet kind and loving ways. Ayla lived a short life but it was definitely full. Her wit, charm, laughter and just plain silliness could make anyone smile. All the years watching her grow and become the beautiful and loving mother to her two full-time kids, and a mother for her other boys who she loved and cherished with all her heart, made me love her even more. Her charm was what brought many people her way, Ayla had a way to brighten a dark room, her brash and sometimes hard ways were just who she was. We were every bit alike in so many ways but could butt heads really good. Ayla was such a wonderful and bright woman, bringing friends together every year at her Gemini party and always making sure they had a good time.

Ayla graduated from McKinleyville High continuation in 2005. By the time she was 19 her first son, Tobias Dal Porto, was born. At the age of 21 she had her second son, Guyier Gin. In 2011, her daughter Payten-Rae Brinkman came into our lives, then nine years later Mateo Cloud Brinkman, our little sweetie, was born, her last baby.  She became a wonderful and loving partner to Richard Brinkman, who she cherished and loved with all her heart, 15 years and two babies and Richard was always there.

Ayla spent the last several years volunteering for security at Reggae on the River, when it was in southern Humboldt, Kate Wolf and the Arcata Oyster Festival which was her last volunteer job in June of this year. She loved and always cherished her time and friends she had made going to these events. After my daughter’s passing, I found out that she had a lot of friends, so many more that held her dear just like her family.

Ayla is survived by her partner Richard Brinkman, her daughter Payten-Rae Brinkman, her sons, Richard Mateo Brinkman, Tobias Dal Porto, Guyier Gin, her mother Beckie Thornton Raygoza, her second dad Ramon Raygoza, her siblings Zarron Ramsey (Christa Daley), Virginia Ramsey, Trish Frick, Gus Raygoza (Michelle Murphy), Julian Raygoza and Terressa Bailey. Her nieces and nephew, Ryan and Rosalee Ramsey and Julianna Raygoza. Also survived by her father and second mom David and Rebecca Ramsey, and her aunt Arla Ramsey.

 Also survived by so many cousins and friends, but to her sisters at heart Brandi Fullbright, Velda Caylor, Ashley Watters and Ashley Taylor and so many others, this mom thanks you all for being there for her.

Ayla was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother Eileen Woodard, her great-grandma Lavena Pectol Howard, grandparents Raymond and Elizabeth Thornton. Her paternal grandparents Art Ramsey and Virginia Anker, her uncle Arthur Ramsey and her aunt June Ramsey.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at the Mad River Grange in Blue Lake from 1 to 4.  

Fly high my sweet Angel, till we meet again. 

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