Niki entered this world, June 22, 1970, at Salem Hospital birthing unit. She went to her heavenly home on September 26, 2024, at Salem Health hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Niki is preceded in death by her unborn son, Noah David Phillips, nephew Robby Young II, and her sister Cerynthia J. Murphy. Survived by husband, Craig Whitney, daughter Kendra Gillis, and stepsons David and Shawn Whitney. She also leaves behind her parents Danny and Sandra Murphy, Ron and Janie Johnson, and Mindy Barton, her sisters Jessie (Carl), Holley (David), Sarah (Frank), and Anita, as well as her cherished cousin Christopher Jones (Alaina) and their children, will forever miss her. Niki is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews, whom she adored.
Niki graduated from Stayton Union High School in 1988. She enlisted in the U.S. Navy the following year and graduated from the Navy training center in Orlando, Florida. During her service, she had many fun experiences. Stationed in Guam, she played on the Navy softball team, traveling to Japan. She was invited back to Japan, because of her striking blonde hair.
After serving her country, she returned to Stayton, Oregon and began working for Salem/Keizer public schools as a bus driver and later as a campus security officer at McKay and West Salem high schools. She balanced her career with raising her daughter, Kendra, the greatest joy and accomplishment of her life.
Determined to further her education, Niki earned her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix while working and parenting. She went on to pursue a fulfilling career as a policy analyst for Oregon Public Defense Commission, a role she excelled in and loved until her passing.
Niki was known for her bright smile, boundless kindness, generosity and loving spirit. She always saw the world through rose-colored glasses. A faithful believer, Niki loved our Lord, Jesus Christ, and cherished beach camping and bonfires, where she felt at peace and connected with nature.
Niki loved reading books, playing cards, spoiling her pets, and celebrating each holiday, with enthusiasm to decorate, celebrate, plan the menu, and invite family and friends.
Niki Loved Life! Throughout Niki’s life, starting in 1984, she found her Happy Place, and always enjoyed coming home to the house on Kingdom Lane. Niki’s light, laughter and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
