Kataraina Leigh McColley, lovingly known as Raina, affectionately called Kat by friends, was born May 25th, 1998, in Billings, Montana, to Kraig & Mary McColley. Raina was born with a vibrant exuberance with bursting happiness. She wore a smile from ear to ear, echoing out an infectious giggle, with her shoulders scrunched up high in excitement. As a toddler, Raina named herself ‘Bobby.’ She would say, ‘NO—I NOT KATARAINA...I BOBBY,’ as she tilted up her eyes to meet you with much seriousness. She was a happy, beautiful, curious & compassionate child. She had that “Je ne sais quoi,” that certain ‘something.' People were drawn to her, babies loved her, and animals trusted her. Those who knew Raina remember her ability to just sit down outside & draw any animals near—neighborhood animals, feral, strays—ANY AND ALL would flock to her, with her snow white-like qualities.

At 5 years old, after the passing of her father in 2003, Raina and her family moved to Sudden Valley in Bellingham, Washington, where she spent much of her childhood. She excelled in private gymnastics and cheerleading, studied German for two years, and had a remarkable gift for making people feel loved and accepted.

In 2013, Raina returned to Billings and attended Billings Senior High School, where she graduated with several close, lifelong friends. While in high school, Raina worked at Sun Splash Tanning and Day Spa while taking marketing and management courses.

After graduation, Raina fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Israel, a journey she treasured deeply. Raina had fond memories of those moments on the Black Sand Beach and Israel Wall, stating, ‘I've never felt so happy.’ Raina later moved to Los Angeles, where she worked briefly in a plastic surgeon’s office.

Raina is profoundly missed by her mother, Mary McColley; sister, Tiffany Guy; niece, Kymber Shepard; other family; & close best friends. Raina touched the lives of many, and to name them all would be impossible.

Please help us share and honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a GoFundMe for Kataraina’s private burial at Yellowstone Memorial Park and family visitation at Michelotti-Sawyers in Billings, MT, Friday, July 31st, 1 PM. Close friends and family.

Donations will also go to a Ceremony of Life to Honor our Beautiful Princess Kat Kat, held for extended family and friends. Time & Date TBD; check for details to be posted as public comment on mom’s (Mary McColley) Facebook page. We hope to see all who loved our Raina be there to support us through this difficult journey—life without her will be one step at a time.

Kataraina's GoFundMe