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BORN
1976
DIED
2006
Kari Heil Obituary
Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday at Mansfield Church of Christ, Mansfield.
Kari was born Feb. 25, 1976, in Portales, N.M., the daughter of Ronnie and Jill Hawkins Firestone. She graduated from Abilene Christian University, where she was part of many organizations. She was a member of the GATA Sorority, ACU Theatre and The Light Singing Group. She was SingSong hostess in 1998.
Survivors: Husband, John Russell Heil; beautiful daughters, Maryn Hailey Heil, 5, and Elizabeth Parker Heil, 6 months; parents, Ronnie and Jill Firestone and Bob and Barbara Heil; sister, Kelli Lara and husband, Jason; grandparents, Fern Stewart and Betty Hawkins; aunts and uncles, Brad Hawkins and wife, Karen, and Tommy Firestone and wife, Pam; brother-in-law, Robert Heil and wife, LeighAnn; sister-in-law, Meredith Heil; and numerous other family and friends.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kari Heil
Brad Overcash
September 20, 2007
Russell,
I just learned of your loss yesterday evening from Jeremy Henry. Although I did not know Kari personally my heart is saddened for you and your family. You will be in my prayers.
Tammy Kennedy (Villa)
September 20, 2007
Kari and I were in cheerleading together from middle school through high school. Just thinking of her and remembering her often. Her family is in my prayers.
kelly meyer
May 30, 2007
I was just informed about Kari...i knew her my freshman year in college at ACU while in theatre, and she was one of the first to smile at me and take time to say hello. I have never forgotten the kindness she showed me, and never will. God bless this family.
Chris & Jimmy Neatherlin
January 22, 2007
I am so thankful that someone lovingly renewed Kari's guestbook. God Bless whoever did this. It is difficult to believe it has been a year. Kari lives on in our hearts. We will always remember her and her beautiful smile. Our love goes out to Jill, Ronnie, Kellie and her family, and to Russell and the girls. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. In His love, Chris & Jimmy
Michelle (Bush) Simpson
March 4, 2006
Sorry to hear about Kari. I went to ACU and was a GATA. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Ruby Martinez
February 24, 2006
Russell, I just heard about Kari today. I don't really know what to say. I will keep you and your little girls in my prayers. Love y'all.
Becky Davis
February 24, 2006
Russell, I'm here in Mexico City for the year, so I've been a little out of touch with Woodlawn, and I had no idea what happened. I spoke with Karen yesterday by email and she told me the sad news. I was just thinking about you two a couple of weeks ago and how much fun both of you were. I want you to know that I'm thinking about you and your family and that you're in my prayers.
Jimmy & Chris Neatherlin
February 21, 2006
Our hearts are broken...Please know that we are continually praying for your strength in faith and peace and comfort. Kari was so precious. (Kari's birthday is coming up please keep this precious family in your prayers.)
In His precious love, Jimmy & Chris Neatherlin
David Watson
February 19, 2006
Russell - the elders at Legacy church extend to you our sympathy during this time of loss. We will be praying specifically for you and your family this afternoon. God is Faithful.
Mike Trader
February 18, 2006
Russell,
Then minister search committee at Legacy just found out about your loss. We all thought so much of you and Kari and our hearts are shattered for you. You are remembered brother--stay strong and please, please call me if you want or need anything.
Cindy Holt
January 30, 2006
Dear Heil family,
We attend Graham Street Church of Christ. We were asked to keep your family in our prayers with the loss of Kari. Please know that we are lifting you up to our Lord and that He is and will always have His loving arms around you.
Jim and Cindy Holt
Melinda Lujan
January 29, 2006
I attended high school with Kari in Carlsbad and we graduated the same year. Kari always had a smile on her face and always looked so happy. I always admired her for her talent and her loving and kind personality. There was no way that anyone could do anything but be happy when Kari was around. Words can not express the sadness I feel at this time. I will always have Heil and Firestone families in my prayers.
Karla Stockton
January 28, 2006
To the family of Kari,
I am so saddened to hear of this tragic news. I will always remember your family visits to Yukon with this precious little girl with beautiful blond curls. You are all in our continued thoughts and prayers. May God give you strength to face each day. Love to you all, Karla Stockton and family (members of Yukon church of Christ where Bob Hawkins was pulpit minister)
Heather Zachary
January 23, 2006
To All,
I was so deeply saddend to hear of this news today. My name in High School was Heather Love Wightman. Although I graduated a year before Kari, I was in Swing Choir and in Troubadors with her. She had/and has a voice of an Angel. Words can not express nor can they erase the pain. What can one say except I pray you find comfort in remembering the little things, in looking in your children's/grandchildren's eyes and know they came from love, and have so much to give. Know that you are in my prayers. With Deep Deep and Sincere Love,
Heather, Rob, Calvin, Madison, and Ashley
Kasey (Bass) Baker
January 22, 2006
I was in a Homecoming musical with Kari when I was at ACU. I was her understudy in "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and although I was only a sophomore when she was a senior, she reached out to me and encouraged me. I enjoyed singing, acting, and dancing with her so much and I have never forgotten the spark of joy she always had. Her eyes lit up the stage. You and your family will be in our prayers continually.
doris knox
January 22, 2006
Barbara: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter-in-law. May God bless you and your family and give you strength at this difficult time. You will be in my prayers.
Doris Knox
Carissa Boggs (Brown)
January 22, 2006
Heil and Firestone Family
I graduated highschool with Kari and always enjoyed watching her perform in Swing Choir. I don't even know the words to offer comfort, but I do know by reading this guest book, that the prayer and love will help you through this. Bless you all.
Carissa Brown
Rebecca Leggett
January 21, 2006
Russell, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I always admired Kari from a far while we were at ACU. She was an extremely gifted individual. There will be so many questions without answers in the coming years. May God hold you and your precious girls close and comfort you daily.
God bless you and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
wyatt and chris sawyer
January 21, 2006
We are constantly in prayer for you and want you to know we love you very much.
Robyn Wertheim
January 21, 2006
Please know that your family is our prayers.
The Wertheims
David and Iva Nell Kemp
January 21, 2006
Our sincere sympathy to all of the family.
We worship with the Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ.
Iva Nell (Peterson) is a former member of the Mansfield congregation.
Mindy Tyndall
January 20, 2006
When my dad called to share the news of Kari's death with me, I was stunned. My uncle Al had called and told him of this great loss. As I prayed, I struggled with what to pray for, and then asked God to bless each member of her family with an extra measure of strength as they deal with the pain of losing a dear loved one. So many questions, so much pain...and yet, God promises He will remain faithful to us. I will continue to pray faithfully for you, Russell, and your two precious girls. A part of Kari will remain with you forever in them. God bless you and all your family and friends as you go through each day and continue to serve the Lord. Please know that there are many lifting you up in prayer.
Miles and Kayla Middleton
January 20, 2006
Words cannot express the sorrow we feel for you and your family at this time in your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and will be in the coming days.
Carolyn May
January 20, 2006
Simple words are never enough to express my heartfelt sorrow for your loss. Now is a time to walk closely with the Lord and trust His guidance and wisdom. Be strong and go forward bravely. Listen during the quiet times for His direction, and believe that the Lord will help you through this time. My family has always loved your family and you will be in our prayers.
Meg Bunton
January 20, 2006
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God grant you the peace and comfort that only He can provide.
Jim & Judy Morgan
January 20, 2006
To Russell & all of the family,
Our thoughts & prayers will always be with you.
Regina Graves
January 20, 2006
To the Family:
Our deepest sympathy to you all at this very difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary, Gina, Hannah and Hailey
Ronnie and Roxie Jackson
January 20, 2006
Ronnie and Jill, Our hearts go out to you with prayers at the loss of your beautiful daughter. May your family be blessed as they deal with the loss of Kari. With all our love.
Carrie Milton
January 20, 2006
Barbara,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter-in-law. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Charles, Carrie, Lacie, and Logan Milton
Wanda & Albert Boozer
January 20, 2006
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers.
Tameka Sanders
January 20, 2006
To Ronnie and Jill Firestone & The Family, Allow God to be the comforter that you need I will continue to pray for his loving arms to stay around you to strengthen, guide, and carry you In Jesus Name.
Renee Phillips
January 20, 2006
To The Heil Family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Keep Philippians 4:7 in mind.
Renee and Bill Phillips
Dorothy Chandler
January 20, 2006
Barbara, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your daughter-in-law. God is with you. Dorothy Chandler
Barbara & Sonny Wooten
January 20, 2006
Kari will be so greatly missed
by everyone.
We send our heartfelt sympathy
and love to all the family.
You will be in our prayers today
and everyday.
Debbie Tolbert
January 20, 2006
Russell and Family,
My heart is just broken for you all. I am and will be in prayer for your family. I know you all are leaning on the LORD and trusting in His mercies and grace to get you through these dark days. I have been there, and I know there is nothing or no one else who can give you the comfort that the LORD provides. Fall into His arms-let Him carry you all. With love and sympathy in Jesus Name, Debbie Tolbert
Rose Lynch
January 20, 2006
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Russell and all of Kari's family. There will always be a spot in our hearts reserved for Kari. She was truly one of the brightest spots of the time we spent in Rolla, Missouri. We are truly thankful for the opportunity we had in getting to know and work with Russell and Kari. Maryn was a precious baby when we were in Rolla. She is now a beautiful little girl with a baby sister. There is so much in this life that we do not understand, but we do know that God is with us, always even during the darkest times. In Christian Love, Jack and Rose Lynch
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