Kortney Debra Huston, 35, of Dowagiac, Michigan, passed away on March 6, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Kortney was born on December 21, 1990, in Niles, Michigan, to Aubrey Huston Jr. and Cindy Huston. From the very beginning, she lived life in her own unique way. She had a bold spirit, an expressive personality, and a deep connection to the people she loved.

Kortney earned her Associate of Arts degree from Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac in the mid 2010s, an accomplishment she was proud to achieve.

Those who knew Kortney knew that she had a vibrant personality that could not be ignored. She was opinionated, quirky, and wonderfully authentic, earning her the fitting nickname “Quirky” among those who knew her best. She never pretended to be anyone other than who she was. Kortney wore her heart on her sleeve and had a way of reminding the people around her, especially her father and family, not to take life so seriously.

Family meant everything to her, and some of her happiest moments were the simple ones spent together at home. She loved bringing people together whether it was cooking a meal, hosting anime nights, playing video games, or gathering for family game nights. One of her favorite traditions was playing the card game Spoons, where her competitive spirit always made things lively and fun.

During childhood, Kortney developed a love for softball and played travel ball, competing throughout Michigan and neighboring states. That same spirited competitiveness stayed with her throughout her life.

Kortney also had a creative and expressive side. She enjoyed experimenting with her look and often dyed her hair, embracing whatever style felt right to her at the moment.

She loved reading fantasy novels as well, especially the City of Bones series, which was a favorite of hers growing up. And when it came to comfort food, she had a special fondness for Chinese food, particularly from China Garden.

She is survived by her loving parents, Aubrey Huston Jr. and Cindy Huston; her sisters, Teia Payne and Shelby (Wayne) Matthews; her brother, Aubrey Huston III (Redena); her grandparents, Roger and Pat Small; her caring boyfriend, Anthony Clark; and her beloved nieces and nephews, McKenzie Payne, Aaron Payne, Sawyer Matthews, Faith Matthews, Jayden Huston, and Chloe Huston.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Aubrey Huston Sr. and Georgia Huston, and her great grandmother, Opal Judd.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 28, 2026, at the Dowagiac VFW Hall, 472 E Division St., Dowagiac, Michigan 49047, from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor Kortney’s life.

Kortney’s life was filled with personality, laughter, and love. Though her time here was far too short, the memories she created and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her forever.