Kaelyn (Kale) Starshine Jones-Rios
Jan. 30, 2004 - Jan. 4, 2026

Kaelyn “Kale” Starshine, 21, of Eureka, returned to the stars on January 4, 2026. Born on January 30, 2004, Kale was a radiant soul whose warmth, creativity, and boundless kindness touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. It feels impossible to do Kale justice and capture her essence in just words. Those who knew her, simply understand the magic that she was.

Kale was born and raised in Eureka, attending Pine Hill/South Bay schools before graduating from Academy of the Redwoods in 2022. A passionate learner with a fierce intellect, she briefly explored life in Los Angeles and San Diego before the pull of home brought her back to Humboldt County. She was pursuing her associate’s degree in behavioral sciences at College of the Redwoods with plans for a career in psychology. Kale had a deep love for her work with children and adults with different abilities. Her behavior clients adored her, and she brought genuine compassion, patience, and joy to her work. She was a natural caregiver with an open mind and kind heart.

Nature was Kale’s sanctuary. She found peace in the warmth of the sun at the river, the ocean breeze, stargazing with loved ones, searching for agates and rocks in the sand, and wandering through misty redwood groves. She often dreamed of “the commune” — living off-grid with her family, needing only the land and each other. She understood that life was meant to be filled with laughter, long hugs, peaceful afternoons, and simple joys. Animals brought Kale immense joy, especially horses, which she considered her soul animal. Her dog Comet and cats Pluto and Lucifer were her most recent cherished companions, her babies. 

A fierce advocate for human rights and community, Kale had an extraordinary gift for bringing people together. She created the Clown Bonfires during summer months — a beloved gathering where anyone with a pure heart could be weird, silly, and authentic in a judgment-free zone. Clowning wasn’t just about makeup and costumes for Kale; it was about finding joy, not taking life too seriously, and making others feel truly welcomed and valued.

Kaelyn was the only daughter out of five children born to Kelli. Through her childhood, Kaelyn and Kelli shared a deep bond that went beyond just mother and daughter. Growing up Kaelyn did everything with her mom: many road trips both terrifying and fun, dying each other’s hair fun colors, makeup and tea parties, countless concerts and events (anything Kaelyn wanted to do!), horseback riding, cooking, binge-watching shows late at night, camping, and river trips all summer long. Together Kaelyn and Kelli raised dozens of bottle baby foster kittens. While Kelli may have taught Kaelyn the basics of living, Kaelyn taught her mom the meaning of life, and love.

Kale had a special relationship with her brother Jaren. Their connection was easily observed by anyone who ever saw them together. The way they laughed together, and gave each other shit, but would have each other’s back at the drop of the hat, was a beautiful thing to get to experience. She also loved her little brothers, Kason, Rylen, and Rowen, so much. She would gush about them to anyone who would listen. Laughing about whatever silly message they left her in their minecraft server, or about their latest random text. They spent countless summers at the river together, and rainy winters spent creating art and music together. Her love for her younger brothers was everlasting, a love only a big sister can truly understand. Everything she did was in the spirit of making them proud and showing them how unconditional her love was. 

Kale shared deep bonds with her aunts Haley and Erin, who lovingly called her KK. Only an aunt can give hugs like a mother, keep secrets like a sister, and share love like a friend. She and Haley shared a birthday and a soul connection. Family dinners and game nights at Haley’s house were filled with laughter, love, and KK’s creative food suggestions — from pickle night to spaghetti tacos. Haley’s home became her safe haven. With her aunt Erin, KK treasured summers spent together, cooking, baking, and making beautiful memories. She loved Erin’s famous oat bars and learned to make them herself. Many of her most magical childhood memories were from holidays spent at Erin’s McKinleyville home.

Kale’s relationship with her cousin Grayson was more like siblings than cousins. Their bond deepened into a profound friendship as adults, and she was immensely proud of who he was becoming, especially loving when he shared his music recordings with her. She adored her Oregon cousins, Brannan, Addison, and Jake, sharing a special relationship with each of them. They loved how she was always ready for outdoor adventures and making priceless memories. Whenever they visited, Kale would be right there — spoiling them, being silly, and partaking in all the classic cousin shenanigans.

Kale had a deep connection with her grandpa Steve. He created fun crafts and imaginative worlds for her and the grandkids, including the legendary Box City. He took her fishing and shared his love of plants and cats with her. Her grandma Kathi supported and loved Kale in a way only a grandma can, and Kale always knew she could count on her. Grandma taught her how to ride a 50 and the quad. They went on grand adventures together, like spending a day on Alcatraz in San Francisco and experiencing the magic of Lake Tahoe.

Kale’s best friends Gabby and Chayslin were her soul sisters. She and Gabby had been inseparable since age three, while Chayslin — who she affectionately called “sister” or “Mama Chayse” in her friend group — was there for her through every season and loved her like a big sister. Kale effortlessly welcomed others into their found family, including Zan and Maren, who were inextricably tied to Kale’s heart. Kale forged family and community, making everyone feel loved and included.

She is continued to be held in love by her mother, Kelli Jones; stepfather, Dave Jackson; brothers, Jaren, Kason, Rylen, and Rowen; aunts, Haley Jones and Erin Jones; uncle, John Jones; cousins, Grayson, Brannan, Addison, and Jake; grandparents, Kathi Borges, Larry Christiansen, Steve Jones, and Laura Jones; her soul sisters, Chayslin and Gabby; her father, Michael Rios Sr.; sister, Nicole Rios; and many other beloved family members and friends, there are simply too many to name.

Her light now shines with those who went before her; her great-grandparents Joyce and Hal Rogers, Bill and Joan Borges; great-aunt Janice O’Hara; great-uncle David Jones; and beloved family friends Papa (Rob) and Uncle Mikey.

Kale’s beautiful light, contagious spark, and deep love for community will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her. Her infectious laugh, creative spirit, and ability to make others feel seen and valued will be forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers or a go fund me, we ask that you live your life to the fullest to celebrate Kale every day. Advocate for human rights and don’t back down, our world needs that now more than ever before. Consider your impact and footprint on this earth in all you do. And, just be kind. If you would like to donate to a charity in Kale’s honor, consider a charity supporting children and youth, animal rescue, LGBTQIA2S, and/or suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. 

It feels impossible to say goodbye to someone so young, but we know she will live on through the love she gave to us all. Please remember, the world is a better place with you in it. If you need help, or support, please know it’s ok to say something. If you know someone who you are worried about, it’s ok to check in, it’s ok to ask the hard questions. There is hope - Call or Text 988 for the suicide and crisis lifeline, or 988lifeline.org.

Resources for help: 

• Friends for Survival
• Suicide and Violence Prevention Program
• Grief and Bereavement Resource List  

A celebration of life will be held in the near future. If you would like more information about date and location please send an email to kalescelebrationoflife@gmail.com. 

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“’What do we do when our hearts hurt?’ asked the boy. ‘We wrap them with friendship, shared tears and time, till they wake hopeful and happy again.’”

— The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.