"Heather, Not a moment has gone by where my heart hasn’t ached for you to come back. I don’t know why you left us so soon. I know we always gave you grief about being late... but why couldn’t you have been late this time? I miss you so much. We all do. I am so lost, confused and heartbroken. You were such a beautiful person. My wish is that you somehow will find out how beautiful you were and how many lives you have touched. I promise to go back to school and finish my degree because I know how much you wanted me to do so. I promise to always keep you in my heart and continue to dream. I promise to see you again someday. Until then, will you promise to be with us all in spirit and keep us safe? I love you so much, Heather. I miss you terribly. I hope you like the letter and the photos I gave you. Never forget us, as we will never forget you. Keep smiling. Keep loving. I love you. Your brother, Daniel"
In loving memory of
Heather Anne Everts-grover
Heather Anne Everts-Grover, passed away February 21, 2012. She was born to Mark and Gail Everts on August 24, 1977 in Aurora, Colorado. She was a beautiful baby, with lots of wavy hair and beautiful green eyes. Born into a military family, she spent her childhood years in Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas. During the family's assignment to Lubbock, Texas, Heather met her best friend, Michelle Leisure-Griffin. They have been sisters ever since. During her middle-school years, Heather discovered her love of music and singing. She spent countless hours in her room, radio or karaoke machine blaring, as she sang along with her favorite performers of the day, Debbie Gibson and Whitney Houston. By 1992, the family had moved to Abilene, TX, where Heather attended Cooper High School and was blessed to have Barbara Perkins for her choir director. Heather earned two letters for choir and was fortunate to have the opportunity to perform in Carnegie Hall in New York City. Following her graduation in 1995, Heather attended Texas Tech University to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. She graduated in 2002 and soon thereafter moved to Phoenix, AZ where she began teaching secondary English in the Paradise Valley School District. She developed into a wonderful teacher and loved her students and her profession. A few years ago, Heather met the love of her life, Harry Grover. For some time, their relationship was long-distance as Harry lived in New Hampshire. But as time went on, they began spending real time together and it wasn't long before they realized they were each other's soul mate. Their dream was realized on July 9, 2011 when they married at Dana Point, CA. Within a few weeks, Heather and Harry were both offered teaching jobs in the Colorado Springs, CO area and moved there to begin their new life together. How happy Heather was with Harry, their two dogs and her new school and students! Heather is survived by her beloved husband, Harry Grover of Colorado Springs, CO; mother, Gail Everts of Phoenix, AZ; father and stepmother Mark and Lillie Everts of Rio Rancho, NM; brother Bradley and wife Leslie Everts of Hazelhurst, MS; brother Daniel Everts and partner Nate Akers of Phoenix, AZ; sister Kayla Everts of Phoenix, AZ; grandparents Lucille Murman of Phoenix and Rita Everts of Albuquerque, NM; John and Maria Everts of Elkhorn, WI and Roland and Jackie Cleveland, Sr of Albuquerque, NM. Aunts and uncles include Tom Everts (Heather's godfather), John Everts (Anna), Frank Grieser, Roland Cleveland, Jr (Laura), Carol Kahl (Greg), Maryann Hamilton (Charlie), Roberta Edwards (Steve) and numerous cousins, friends, colleagues and students. Heather will always be remembered for her loving heart and selflessness. She was a wonderful teacher, both in her classroom and in her everyday life. A beautiful daughter, sister and wife! She will always be loved and will forever be in our thoughts and hearts. Visitation will be held from 1-2PM, with funeral service at 2PM, Monday, February 27, 2012, Hansen Desert Hills Chapel, 6500 E. Bell Rd., Scottsdale.
Tributes
"It was shocking to hear that Heather, energetic and well, had passed away so suddenly. All of us here at her school are so sadded by the sudden loss."
"Like the beautiful pink and purple tulips Heather loved, she was lovely, fragile, and gone too soon. Her spirit and love were strong. Heather was warm and genuine. Kind, thoughtful and fun loving, too. I am so sorry for the loss of this lovely woman to her husband, her family, her students, her friends and her pets. Heather has inspired me to be a more giving person. To live everyday from my heart. To not hesitate in showing love to others. Although I will not see her smile again in this life, I am certain I will in the next. Heather lives on. Godspeed, Heather, Godspeed."
"To the Everts family and Harry Grover, I knew Heather when she taught at Vista Verde Middle School. She was wonderful to work with; a dedicated teacher and a good friend to her co-workers. I remember when she became engaged - she absolutely glowed with happiness. You have my heartfelt symphathy for your loss."
"Mark and Lillie, There are no words that one can use for times like these. I’ll just say that I will keep you both, but especially Mark, in my thoughts and prayers. Love and prayers to your Mom, Dad and the rest of the family on behalf of the Sabinash family, Catherine"
"DSFCU and I just want to share our condolences to Daniel and his Family. We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Naima Dale"
"Dear Mrs. Everts, I know it’s a little late, but I would like to say a few things. First, I would like to apologize for anything rude or mean I said. I know I wasn’t the most polite. I also want to apologize for not doing my homework in Enrichment. I knew you were serious about it and just wanted to help us out, but I didn’t take it seriously. I didn’t give you the respect you deserved and I realize now that you deserved so much more. But I would also like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You inspired one of my poems, which I am now getting published. So if it’s alright, I want to dedicate my poem "Written Fighter" to you. Again, thank you , and I am very sorry. I apologize with all my heart and I thank you from the depths of my soul. Please forgive me, Mrs. Everts, I know you are in a better place right now. Love, Tabbi"
"My deepest sympathy for the Everts family and for my dear friend Harry. Heather’s light will always shine bright and I was blessed to know her. She was a sweet, kind lady who will be missed but not forgotten."
"Heather, you were a bright star in so many lives ... now shining from above. I wish Harry and the rest of your family comfort and strength in the coming weeks and months."
"I never had an opportunity to meet Heather in person but got to know her on line, along with her husband, Harry. She was a sweet natured, giving human being and I am privileged to have known her, even if it was through the internet only. May God bless Harry and the Everts family as you all go through this difficult time. I know you have much to be proud of in Heather and will have some treasured memories to hold on to. love, Winnie"
"The loss of such a lovely lady as Heather is a heavy load on many hearts. Yet God promised to wipe our every tear and do away with such pain and suffering (Revelation 21:4). May that hope sustain you until you see Heather again (John 5:28, 29). My sincere condolences."
"My prayers and sympathy are with you as we mourn Heather’s early, unexpected death. I have notified our 230 Sisters and 90 Associates to ask for their prayers as well. May God be your strength! I’m the sister of Heather’s maternal grandmother, Rita Everts."
"Heather, you had a kind-heart and gentle spirit. I am sure the angels welcomed you at heaven’s gates, and your glorious voice now fills heaven’s place. Rest in peace kind soul."
"My sincerest condolences to the Everts and Grover families. I had the opportunity to work closely with Heather during her time at Mountain Ridge Middle School. She will be missed. In the days after Heather’s death students told stories of her caring ways, checking in with them about their weekend, helping them through an illness or rough period in their life, or even letting them "try" to teach...transitional verbs, I think it was. Oh, and there was the writing that she taught them too. Mostly, they talked about how she cared. She did. I’m a counselor at the school and Heather and I talked often about kids. She wanted them to be successful academically, but she wanted them to be happy, healthy people too. She cared and I’m sad she has died."
"Dearest Heather, We will miss your sweet light shining in our lives.... We will miss you wit and wisdom... We will miss your advice and your candor. We will miss your smile... We will miss the dreams we were watching unfold with your dear dear Harry... We will look for you in the stars... a guardian angel watching over us...."
"Dear Family, There are no words for the sudden loss of such a beautiful young lady. She was our #1 - first grandchild and niece on both sides of her family. I wish I could be there with you all, but I am at home watching over Granny Everts. We are doing okay - not great, but okay. Our hearts and thoughts and prayers are with you all, both now an on Monday. I have so many memories of Heather, as you all do. Hugs to all of you: Harry, Kayla, Daniel, Brad, Gail, Mark & Lillie. Comfort each other, share your happy memories of our Heather and know that her life on earth brought joy to so many people. We love you, Auntie Roberta and Uncle Steve."
"Deepest sympathy for the loss of such a wonderful woman. May time and wonderful thoughts heal the hearts of those that loved her. My love and prayers to Harry and her entire family. God Bless. Marsha Mason"
"Many thoughts and prayers with Harry, Heather’s family, and all of her many friends. She touched so many with her smile and beautiful green eyes. May she rest in peace. "