Kevin Lee Schiefelbein, a resident of Umatilla since 1987, passed away on Sept. 17, 2026 in Richland, Wash. at the age of 54 following an accident at his fiancee’s home.
He was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1972 in Hermiston to his loving mother, Rose Nye. Kevin was a beloved, devoted son, fiance and a loyal friend. He was an honorable man – honest, straightforward, direct and to the point – a “good son” whom his mother is deeply proud of and one his beloved grandparents were and would still be proud of today.
Kevin had a phenomenal sense of humor and was a true comedic genius. A natural storyteller, he brought light and laughter to the world as a writer and comedian. In spite of challenging disabilities that he kept private – not wanting to burden others nor wanting to be looked upon as worth less – he lived a full life in service to others, always dedicated to “Tikkun Olam” (the healing transformation of this world). This was reflected in his role as the full-time, around-the-clock, sole caregiver for his mother, Rose, from 2004 until the time of his death, ensuring she was cared for and surrounded by love, laughter and comfort; as well as in his passionate work toward his certification in massage therapy, where he planned to specialize in lymphatic drainage within a hospital setting.
Kevin considered and always addressed everyone as his friend. If you were his friend, Kevin was your devoted friend for life. It mattered not whether he had just met you or had known you from childhood, regardless of how often he saw you or even if he hadn’t seen you in years, his love and loyalty never wavered. He would be heard, even when speaking with total strangers, saying, “Thank you, my friend.” He was a precious gift to this world, and his memory is a blessing to all who knew him. Kevin was unable to have biological children of his own, but he deeply cherished and loved his beloved nieces, Elizabeth Ann Hunter, Eleanor Mercury Hayes and Maya Rose Hayes and his nephew, Clayton Rhody Hayes Jr., all of Umatilla.
He is survived by his devoted mother, Rose Nye of Umatilla; his beloved fiancee, Deborah Riley of Richland, Wash.; his uncle, Michael P. Schiefelbein of Portland; and his nieces, nephew, and countless friends from all backgrounds, races, and religions who were embraced by his love and loyalty.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Joseph P. Schiefelbein Sr. and Andrea Scheifelbein (nee Velasquez), who were like parents to him and helped raise him to become the loving, kind, devoted, compassionate, honorable and loyal individual he became and that we all knew, loved and appreciated today. Joseph was the only true father figure Kevin ever had.
A memorial service honoring Kevin’s life and true spirit will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026 at the Burns Mortuary Chapel, 685 W. Hermiston Ave.
He will then be laid to rest in the Hermiston Cemetery under the birth name he wished to carry, completely restored to his true identity.
