I miss Heidi every single day. Her birthday was a few days ago - I spent the day listening to Collective Soul and the Scorpions and remembering when she would play songs and ask me who it was in the first few bars - and then being very disappointed when I didn’t guess fast enough. She always had the best advice and wasn’t afraid to say it just like it was. Love you sis!

Today I needed some advice on a plant I am growing. Heidi with her "green thumb" could have given me the help I needed. So many times each day I think about Heidi and how much I loved her, and wish I could reach out to her..I don't think losing her gets easier over time. She will always be in my heart.

This morning as I was cleaning my house I realized how Heidi has influenced every part of my life and every room in my house: from the plants in my yard to the art on my walls, how my kitchen is decorated, the oil in my diffuser and the cleaning products I use. She is everywhere and I miss her so much.

This morning as I went to church I remembered when Heidi first started Primary. We were living in Denver/Lakewood Colorado and she was 3 years old. At the time Primary was held during the week. She didn't want me to go into the Church with her - she was always very independent, so I parked in front of the Church and watched this little 3-year-old walk by herself to the front doors. They were so heavy she struggled to get them open. Then the doors closed behind her. It was like this Church had swallowed her. She was my oldest child so this was my first experience letting my child go into the world by herself. I sat in the car and cried. I cried this morning also.

Heidi is our oldest daughter and is loved by all who know her. During her mortal life she was always wise in so many ways, beyond her years, and looked for ways to help others whether parents, siblings, children, grandchildren, Uncles, Aunts, friends or co-workers. If something was amiss she would call it out, regardless of who it was or where it occurred. Her life was not an easy one, but she learned from all of her experiences, whether good or not so good, and she used the wisdom she gained from those experiences to help others. She has always been a private person who dearly loves her husband Rich and her three beautiful daughters, their husbands, and her 4 grandchildren. Whenever there has been a family activity, even if it involved traveling several hours to participate, Heidi was there. She always also honored her ancestors as is demonstrated by her making certain that she took a flower, a poppy, or something to her Grandfather Ferron Bliss and to his gravesite every single year after he left this mortal existence.. She has certainly set for all of us a high standard for family love, support, and for remembering, and prioritizing family activities. I hope we can all learn from her, and her Mom & I are looking forward to greeting her whenever we too graduate from mortality.

My sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Heidi Hales. While I didn’t know Heidi, I know the positive imprint she left on my dear friend and her sister, Angie. She was called too early and will be sorely missed by those left behind. Remember that while her human shell is gone, her spirit remains alive and well with God watching over all of you. You honor her by keeping her legacy alive. Love and hugs.

Renee Andreae

The first time I saw Heidi after 20 years she gave me a vase from our Grandma Bliss so that I would have something of hers. It was a very sweet gesture that meant the world to me. We were always welcome at Heidi’s no matter the occasion and I will miss her laugh and hugs. 

This morning I woke up to my first sunflower blooming and a bush in my back yard covered in lavender blossoms. Heidi always loved flowers, especially lavender and purple flowers. So much in nature will always remind me of Heidi.

I've been listening to Billy Idol this morning, thinking of Heidi. She knew I loved rock and heavy metal music, but she also knew that I might be offended by the lyrics in some songs - so she would tell me what songs I should listen to, and send me the music.

There’s not one single story that I can use to summarize how amazing Heidi truly was. It was years of big giant hugs, her infectious laugh and her love that you could feel. Her hugs were a form of home that I already crave. She was truly a foundation in my life. She always had a way of making me feel included, heard and would set me straight when I needed it. Her porch was my therapy session and rain or shine Heidi listened, I would cry and then we would laugh. I love you Heidi and I’ll look for you always.

Heidi - we didn’t know that morning
That God had called your name
In life we loved you dearly
In death we do the same
It broke our hearts to lose you
You did not go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home
You left us precious memories
Your love is still our guide
And though we cannot see you
You are always by our side
Our family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same
But as God calls us one by one
The chain will link again