Ive spent hours upon hours with heather weither it be laughing, venting, skipping classes, trying to make me a better person or just in passing. She definitely has had a impact on me. Im glad i got the opportunity to hang with heather. She'll always be missed rest in peace heather ?&?? always
Huey Olinger
February 12, 2020
I went to school with Heather for many years. She was dating my cousin Gage, they were very close. She was a great girl. People made fun of her all the time, I stuck up for her all the time. I miss her dearly and I hope my cousin can move on one day but he's told me he can not even look at another female without missing her. We miss you and love you.
Kali Klenk
October 5, 2017
I only met Heather once but the one meeting was huge! I spoke to some students at Linn Mar last spring on the loss of my son. It is always very emotional when I speak to a group. When I asked the students for questions, Heather was the first to raise her hand. She asked if she could give me a hug. That is one hug I will cherish always. I was there to help students understand, and she ended up teaching me! What a beautiful young lady you raised. Keep her memories close and she will always be there in your heart! God Bless! Hugs! Jill Hockaday
Jill Hockaday
September 7, 2016
I want to thank everyone for your kind words and support. I will forever be grateful for how you brightened her day and she yours. She will always be missed and never forgotten. Heather's beauty shined through her art but also her words.
From Heather Strickel's notebook:
I am not who I am, nor am I who I want to be. I am who I must be. I am the hidden truth in your lies. I am the truth and the lie. I am not at all and I am in every way. You will never find me even though I am right in front of you.
Vanessa Connors (Heather's Mother)
August 28, 2016
I've tried several times to leave my words here, but each time all I could do was stare at the screen, still in shock and having no idea what I wanted to say.
Heather's mother Vanessa & I have known each other for 32 years. I've known Heather since she was 3 months old, held my beautiful Heather in my arms, fed her, played with her and watched her grow up. Vanessa & I were so close that I became a sort of 2nd mom to Heather & Aaron.
My husband & I lived in the same building as Vanessa & Shawn, they in apartment below me. Both Heather & Aaron were always running back and forth between our apartments. We all became a close family unit.
Many have spoken of how Heather started drawing in Middle School, but she actually started around the age of 4 or 5. I remember so many times she'd come running in asking her mom if she'd gotten Heather another box of big colored chalk, and all the times I'd come home to so many colorful drawings all over the steps and the sidewalk (on the walls). I always thought she'd grow up to be some type of artist and was really happy when she found her passion in graphic arts. She'd send me texts or Facebook messages with her drawings attached. I was always so proud at her progress.
I love her so much and am incredibly proud & blessed that I got to watch her grow from a beautiful child to a beautiful young woman. It just breaks my heart into a million pieces that her life was cut so short.
I'm sorry for how long this is, but when the flood gates opened, all I could do was type and I really wanted to share a bigger picture of who Heather was, not just now but as the little girl I miss so very much and will never forger.
Bobbi White
August 27, 2016
I will miss seeing Heather in the halls at the high school. Whenever she saw me, she would run up to me and give me a great big hug. To this day, I still have a letter she wrote me thanking me for being there for her and helping her through middle school, even though sometimes she didn't want to do it. I will treasure that letter forever. It always was and now always will be a reminder of why I do what I do. She was such a wonderful young lady. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Christine McSweeney
August 21, 2016
May God hold your hands right now and lead you through this unbelievable time. My oldest daughter Paige has commented on how sad this is and how she enjoyed her company on the bus ride home. She said she always had some amazing artwork to share with others. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you tonight and always.
Roger & Shelly Wassmer
August 21, 2016
I enjoyed sitting next to her in English class last year. I just moved to town a year and a half ago. She was one of my few friends. I really liked her and enjoyed our time together. May God provide you confort in your loss.
Megan McDonald
August 21, 2016
So sorry for your loss, God bless you all in this time of sorrow !
Catherine mead
August 21, 2016
Words can't describe how much we will miss Heather at school. I enjoyed having her in my class and getting to know her the past two years. I enjoyed her sense of humor, her laughter and her beautiful smile. She wanted to do well and worked hard in my class. She loved listening to music while she worked and using the computer to draw during her free time. I will miss hearing her favorite songs and seeing her drawings. I will miss her smile, her laughter, and all of our conversations. I'm so saddened that she is no longer with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Janelle Jones
August 21, 2016
I'm Kevin Riley & I've been Heather's afternoon bus driver for the past 2 years. I was shocked & saddened to hear of Heather's passing. She had an infectious smile & a quick wit I will miss every day. She was always ready to laugh with her friends & laugh at he self. She told me once "I never try to take myself too seriously." My deepest condolences to your family.
Sincerely,
Kevin Riley
Kevin Riley
August 20, 2016
So sorry to hear of your loss. Heather always had a bright and cheerful smile and Linn Grove. We will all be thinking and praying for you at this difficult time. You will be missed Heather.
Amanda Farber
August 20, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Heather was a very sweet little girl when I knew her. I hope the love of family and friends will help console you in the days ahead.
Tammy Glise
August 19, 2016
You don't know me, but my Grandson Tanner went to Linn Mar High School and committed suicide in March 2013. My heart aches for you. I was raising Taner because his Mother (my daughter) passed in 2005. I just want you to know that I emphasize with you. You're in my thoughts.
Jackie Sanders
August 19, 2016
Jeff and Vanessa
We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don't disappear from our lives. We are merely in different places.
I am at a lose for words over your lose.
Our words cannot describe who Heather was. And so words also cannot describe the loss we are all feeling now.
Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
We are thinking of you and praying for you and your family.
Aunt Lela and Uncle Dale
Dale and Lela Wingerson
August 19, 2016
I am employed by Linn Mar as an attendant on bus 31 and Heather was one of our riders for the past two school years. I will miss her friendliness with the other students and her interesting comments at times. Somehow, life on bus 31 won't be the same this school year. We'll miss you, Heather!
Chuck Beahm
August 19, 2016
I'm so sorry for your loss. Heather will be truly missed this year at school. Her smile, caring words, and silliness will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ms. Allison
August 19, 2016
We are so sad to hear the passing of Heather. May she find peace and love with God. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Heather was a classmate of my daughter.
deb
August 19, 2016
my heart aches for your parents.. May Our Father hold your hand as you get your wings. May he wrap your mothers heart with his presence and help her soul live on. the pain of losing a child will never cease. life becomes step by step. my prayers are with all of you
Dawn
August 19, 2016
Vanessa and Shawn, you raised a remarkable girl. I will always remember how smart, kind, caring, and talented she was. My sympathies go out to you and your family in this tough time.
Bethany Larson
August 18, 2016
No words will ever be of comfort. Heather will never know how many she truly touched. Sincere sympathy from one mom, to another.
Dana
August 18, 2016