Makayla Plaza Remembered As Loving Mother, Animal Lover And Friend Who “Never Judged Anyone”

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KENOSHA, Wis. — Friends and family are remembering Makayla Marie Rutka Plaza as a caring mother, devoted daughter and loyal friend who always put others before herself, as a growing community fundraiser continues to support her three young children following her killing.

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Makayla Plaza, 28, was killed April 1 inside her home near 22nd Avenue and 75th Street. Prosecutors have charged her estranged husband, Marckus Plaza, 33, with first-degree intentional homicide with use of a dangerous weapon. Authorities say Plaza was captured Thursday after a nearly 30-hour manhunt and was found hiding in the basement of a commercial building near 75th Street.

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In the days since her death, family members have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help support Makayla’s children, funeral expenses and long-term family needs. The fundraiser was organized by Aaron Pletz, who said he had been Makayla’s stepfather since she was 3 years old.

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Pletz wrote that Makayla leaves behind three children — a daughter and two sons, ages 8, 5 and 2. He said the boys are currently safe and being cared for by loved ones.

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According to the fundraiser, Makayla’s children are now starting over in a familiar home — the same home where Makayla grew up and where her family has lived for more than three decades. Family members say they hope to keep the home in the family so the children can grow up there as Makayla did, but said space is limited and the transition has been difficult.

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The fundraiser says the money will be used to help cover funeral costs, legal expenses and the long-term financial and emotional support needed for Makayla’s children as they begin life without their mother. Family members described Makayla as a victim of domestic violence who “was failed by the judicial system.” )

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“Makayla’s story is not over,” Pletz wrote in the fundraiser. “Her family and children will now face the challenge of accepting this as their new reality.”

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As of Friday evening, the fundraiser had raised more than $7,700 from 139 donors toward a goal of $12,000. Melissa Bruce is listed as the beneficiary.

Makayla was born Dec. 12, 1997, in Burlington. She graduated from Westosha Central High School in 2016 and spent much of her life in southeastern Wisconsin. Her obituary described her as someone who loved being outdoors, especially fishing, hiking and camping. She also enjoyed crocheting, baking and making tie blankets. Family members said she had a deep love for animals and especially cared for her dogs.

According to her obituary, Makayla was known for helping other people, often putting the needs of others ahead of her own. Loved ones described her as someone who “never judged anyone” and who would help anyone in need.

Makayla is survived by her three children, parents, siblings and extended family members. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, April 17, at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a service at 7 p.m.

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