Obituary

DILTZ, Kayla Marie (Hendrickson), of Fraser, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

Born on July 4, 1990, in Bitburg, Germany, Kayla brought light into the world on a day already known for its celebration. She graduated from Hazel Park High School in 2006, earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Oakland University in 2014, and her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in 2016. At the onset of her illness, Kayla was working with Development Centers, where she dedicated her professional gifts to early childhood development—nurturing young lives with the same love and care she gave her own family.

Kayla’s talents and passions were many. A devoted member of the Hazel Park dance community since the fifth grade, she became a beloved coach of the Hazel Park Vikettes in 2017, beginning her coaching career as a teenager at only nineteen years old. She poured her heart into her teams, inspiring young women with her energy, kindness, and commitment. Beyond her professional and coaching accomplishments, Kayla cherished time with her wide circle of friends, but most of all, she was a deeply loving and devoted wife and mother.

Kayla is survived by her beloved husband, Scott Charles Diltz, and their cherished children, Tyler Lee (age 5) and Kaleb James (age 3), who were the center of her world. She is also survived by her mother, Patricia Hendrickson (Dan Michalak) of Royal Oak, Michigan; her father, Donald Hendrickson Jr. (Georgette Gillen) of McKinney, Texas; her brother, Chris Hendrickson (Hillary Hendrickson) and niece Lily Hendrickson of Fort Collins, Colorado. She was the much-loved niece of Theresa (Ted) Turnquist, Norman (Machel) Perala, and Patrice Kay (Mike) Leach, and held close by many cousins and dear friends—especially her lifelong companions Brittany Mann and Jessica Mosley.

Per Kayla’s wishes, a private funeral will be held at Resurrection Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to join in honoring her life at a Celebration of Life on October 11, 2025. Details will be shared on Kayla’s Facebook page.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Michigan for their compassionate care during Kayla’s final months.

Condolences may be sent to the family at condolences@kayladiltz.com. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to support Tyler and Kaleb Diltz’s education fund at www.KaylaDiltz.com.

Kayla’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and generosity. Though her time with us was far too short, her light will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who were blessed to know and love her.