Kiana Nicole Cason

Kiana Nicole Cason, of Big Bear Lake, California, died unexpectedly, but peacefully, in her sleep on August 21, 2020.  She was just 25 years old. Kiana had a strong faith, and regularly sought God through prayer and scripture. We celebrate in the assurance that she is joyfully welcomed into the presence, peace, love, and grace of Jesus.

Kiana was born in Ventura on November 21, 1994, raised in Ojai, and graduated from Chaparral High School in Ojai. She had a special affinity for people who faced challenges in life and was kind and supportive toward people with special needs, people who were bullied, and people who faced exceptional challenges in life.

As a child, Kiana loved attending Saturday night modified stock car races in Ventura. She would climb into the racecar in the garage, determinedly grip the wheel, and emphatically warn those on her imaginary racetrack to “get out of my way!” Growing up, she was also frequently seen driving around the cul-de-sac in her Barbie jeep, while chatting away on her toy cell phone. As a child, she wanted to order everything on the menu, and wanted to try everything.

Kiana loved people and loved to work. She thoroughly enjoyed working in the service industry and valued her time working as a food server at Bonnie Lu’s and Monte Grappa restaurants in Ojai. She always had a cheerful and friendly smile, and a warm greeting for people she met; people were drawn to her.

When she was 21 years old, Kiana embarked on a new life-journey to Big Bear Lake. There, her strong work effort shone while working as a lead lift operator at Snow Summit in the winter and as a deck hand at Holloway’s Marina at Big Bear Lake in the summer. Her lift, lift number four, was frequented by ski instructors who wanted their students to have a good experience, as she was sure to do her best to make sure that happened.

While working at the Summit, she met and fell in love with John Luttrell, who worked there as a ski instructor. Kiana, John, and his dog, Mox became a family and shared a home. They also worked together at the lake during the summer and shared a love for outdoor activities: snowboarding, wakeboarding, boating, and even zip lining.

Kiana is survived by her parents Doug and Mardel Cason, brother RJ Cason (girlfriend Anna Wooliss and her daughter Catrina), boyfriend John Luttrell and their dog Mox, grandparents Clyde and Robbie Cason, grandmother Gwendolyn Wipf, loving uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Melvin Wipf.

Impromptu remembrances were held at her lift at Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake, and at Solimar Beach in Ventura. A service celebrating Kiana’s life is pending.

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