"GOD GRANT THE SERENITY TO ACCEPT THE THINGS YOU CAN THE COURAGE TO CHANGE THE THINGS YOU CAN AND HAVE THE WISDOM TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. A FRIEND OF BILLW. FOR HEIDI SYMPATHIES GO TO ALL THE FAMILY"
In loving memory of
Heidi Nicole Jones
June 23, 1978 - February 5, 2012
ROCHESTER MINN:Heidi N. Jones, 33, died Sunday, February 5, 2012 in Rochester, MN.
Heidi Nicole Willard was born June 23, 1978 to Michael and Barbara (Halland) Willard in Winter Park, FL. She was passionate about music and a gifted pianist, composing and singing their middle school class song at middle school graduation in New Fairfield, CT. Heidi graduated from Mayo High School in 1996, and obtained her A.A. in Liberal Arts from RCTC in 2003. She married Kenneth P. Jones on October 11, 2003 in Rochester, MN.
Heidi worked various jobs until the birth of her first child. Her greatest joy in life was her two children, Arianna and Aiden. She was a kind and loyal friend to many, lover of animals, and had a great sense of humor.
Heidi is survived by her husband, Kenneth, Rochester, MN her two children, Arianna and Aiden, Rochester, MN;parents, Michael and Barbara Willard of Rochester, MN.; her two sisters, Heather (John) Sherwin, Rochester, MN and Tracey Willard, St. Petersburg, FL, a nephew, Grant Sherwin, Rochester, MN, grandmother, Helen Willard, Rochester, MN, uncles and aunts; Steve and Verla Halland, Storden, MN and Dennis and Kathy Willard, Westchester, PA; also five cousins and many friends. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, paternal grandfather, and an uncle.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012 at Zumbro Lutheran Church with Rev. Shelley Cunningham officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. A private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or Paws and Claws. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester, MN 55901, 507-289-3600, ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"Mike and family, Please accept our deepest condolences and know you will be in our thoughts and prayers."
"Dear Mike & Barb and Kenny, I am so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your Heidi. My heart goes out to you and your family. May beautiful memories comfort you in the days ahead. Mike: it has been years since I worked for you at IBM but I fondly remember our talks about family and how much you loved all your girls! Kenny: it had been years since we saw each other .. until the other day, I am sorry we did not have more time to catch up. Thoughts and Prayers, Toni McCaleb "
"We will bear the bitter grief and try to undetstand.....my prayers are wity you"
"The Broken Chain We little knew that day, God was going to call 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 beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide. And although we cannot see you, You are always at 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. Author: Ron Tranmer"
"There aren't enough words to express the sorrow we feel for the loss of your beautiful daughter, Heidi. We pray for strengh for all your family during this most difficult time. With our deepest sympathy, Jane and Al Schilmoeller"
"Heidi, I keep hearing the line from your song "Hand in Hand" in my head "if you see a light in the distance, it's me walking with my friends" . . . you were such a light, so close and dear to us and now we will look to heaven and you are indeed a light in the distance. I know that one day we will be reunited. I love you so dearly, thank you for loving me, for being such a tender, dear, precious, sweet, inspiring and beautiful friend. When I needed you the most. My deepest sympathy go to your family and your beautiful babies who will help you to live on. I love you all."
"We extend our prayers and sympathy to Heidi''s family and friends- our thoughts are with you all."
"Mike and Barb, words cannot express the sadness that I feel for you. You are in my daily prayers. God bless. When tomorrow starts without me... When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an Angel came and called my name and grabbed me by the hand. She said my place was ready, in Heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. When tomorrow starts without me, theres something you should know, Ill always be beside you, wherever you may go."
"heidi was one in a million i went to willow creek with her and she was more then willing to sing at my daughter funeral when i ask and she said she would be honored and was honored that i asked and thought of her to ask ."
"I was Heidi's cheerleading coach at Mayo High School. I remember her as a beautiful, kind, talented girl whose smile lit up a room. I am so sorry for your loss."
"I am praying for God's comfort and strengthen to be with you, and that you will find Heidi's spirit with you throughout this time. It is so heartbreaking and difficult to face such an unexpected loss of someone so precious, sweet, beautiful, and loved so deeply. My heart breaks for your family, to have to endure such a time, words can't express my sorrow for you. I remember Heidi from high school and all I can say is she is precious, so precious, and I am so sorry for your loss."
"Heidi was one of my dearest friends. She was always a sweet and kind gal. Her voice was beautiful. I remember when she sang at Angie's daughters funeral. And then she was part of Loury's Cheerleading squad! She was funny and beautiful and just someone you could call and talk to at any time. We liked texting late at night, since we both have an issue sleeping. We had so much fun and were waiting for better weather to have kids play together. My most humble condolences to Her Parents, siblings and kiddos. She was wonderful and will always be in my heart. Very heartbroken to have my friend gone. But I know Lord will keep her safe and I will get to see my dear friend again. I love you hon...miss you. Michelle"
"When I heard the news of the loss of Heidi my heart broke. There is not too many pictures from my years at Mayo and HS that Heidi is not in. She was one of my close friends and our group. I just looked at my year book and pics from dances and senior prom and there she was right next to me looking as gorgeous as ever. She was a great individual, her smile was infectious, and I don't know that I have encountered a kinder soul. Although I have not seen Heidi in what feels like ages, being able to reconnect with her and see pictures of her beautiful family was wonderful in the past few years. I have said before it doesn't matter how often you see one another, it is the impact that individual had on your life and knowing that everyone has their purpose. May Heidi have found peace and now be able to play her music and sing with the choir of angels up above!! My deepest sympathy to her children, husband, siblings, and parents and all others that loved her immensely!! Jill Brady"
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Heidi was an exceptional woman."
"I am writing to extend my deepest sympathies To you and your family I was so very sad to hear About Heidi she was such a wonderful person."