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Heather Cheri Phillips

1984 - 2016

BORN

1984

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills Funeral Home & Cemetery - Lynnwood

409 Filbert Road

Lynnwood, Washington

Heather Phillips Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Heather Cheri Phillips
Start: 2016-07-30T22:00:00.000Z
Location: N. Seattle Alliance Church

June 4, 1984 - July 23, 2016 On Saturday, July 23, 2016, at 2:25 p.m., Joshua Phillips did the most painful thing he could ever do in this lifetime; he held the love of his life as she passed away, transitioning into heaven. After a prolonged battle with constrictive bronchiolitis, which required a double lung transplant three years ago, Heather Phillips is now at rest and breathing free and deep with her brother, Justin. Heather was a true angel who we were all blessed to walk with during her time on earth and she will never be forgotten. Her husband, Josh finds comfort in knowing that she will live on through all who knew and loved her, especially he and their two kids, Corbin and Kiera, as well as her devoted parents, John and Janna Rima. Heather was an inspiration to all who knew her and even to those who followed her journey from afar via Facebook. Beautiful and vivacious, Heather was full of life and savagely fought for her family and loved ones. She wanted to live each day to the fullest and even while struggling with transplant rejection, she managed to work almost every game last year for her beloved Seahawks, serving as a hostess in the club level restaurant. She never wanted to miss a game! Heather taught us all by her example that even through the most difficult of life's challenges you can always express love over hate, strength over fear, and brighten the world with a smile. Heather, you are the love of Joshua's life and will be forever missed. He will continue to do everything he can to follow your example and keep you smiling and proud of him. A celebration of Heather's life will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 30, 2016, at N. Seattle Alliance Church, 2150 N. 122nd St., Seattle, Donations may be made to a fund for Heather's family: www.gofundme.com/qgzg7gg

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald (Everett) from Jul. 28 to Jul. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Heather Phillips

39 Entries

Sara

August 10, 2016

I never had the opportunity to meet Heather, but found out about her via social media. I admired her strength, beauty, grace, and bravery from afar. Josh's love for Heather was and likely still is the type of love most people only dream of and the deep commitment they both had to the entire family was amazing.

Thank you for sharing Heather with those of us who never got to meet her directly. Your family is so full of love. You serve as an excellent example to us all.

Ruby

August 3, 2016

There are stars in our heaven that I'd like to think are God's reminders that our loved ones are shining brightly for all the world. Your mom's story on earth reminds me of those stars that we rarely see up close. God bless her and the family with peace. And many thanks for sharing her with us.

Raymond Mengel

August 1, 2016

On behalf of Park Heights Baptist Church, I just want to let all of Heather's family know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved daughter, mother and loving wife.
Pastor Ray Mengel

Amy Bassen

August 1, 2016

Heather, your impact on the lives of others is immeasurable. I am thankful I had the opportunity to cross paths with you in this life. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

Charlotte O'Toole

July 31, 2016

I never had the blessing of meeting Heather but the strength she carried was clear. I've followed her difficult journey from across the globe holding her in my thoughts and prayers everyday. The love for her family, friends and life beamed from her so immensely in every photo, video and post made. She has forever changed the way I see life and the way I am with my children and family. I now see how precious life and family is and will always cherish it. Thank you Heather for showing me how to live fully. I send my utter most sincere condolences to the whole of Heathers family especially those beautiful babies, husband and parents. I can only imagine how truley proud you must be to have had her in your life.

Jami Tuter

July 31, 2016

Rest in peace Heather. You are an amazing spirit, may God bless your beautiful family with peace, love, and memories of your laughter, heart, and courage.

Donny Shove

July 31, 2016

I am sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for your family. What I will do most is what I think Heather would want all of us to do, love my family and friends more and try to let our light shine out to others. God bless.

Anna LaBounty

July 30, 2016

I never knew her but have learned that she was a wonderful person who was strong and courageous positive and beautiful and an amazing mother and wife. This is heartbreaking but she was clearly an inspiration to many. I have been praying for her husband, her parents and her children to find strength and peace during this difficult time and that she may rest in peace what a beautiful Soul I certainly missed out having never met her. God bless

Sarah Breault

July 30, 2016

I became familiar with Heather's journey through my cousin Paul Stazel. I was so impressed by her attitude and by the beautiful bond with her parents,husband and children. I can't understand Gods plan except for knowing that he often takes the best, those who have shown they are the best in the worst circumstances. I pray your family will be blessed with comfort and find peace in this difficult time. May you feel her presence and love ever more.

Liz (Lizzie) Simpson (Magby)

July 29, 2016

I remember the days before Heather and Josh began dating. The times where their chemistry for each other across the room at the Cookie Company would make all of us wonder when they would ever notice it themselves. :-) Heather was always singing fun Disney songs, smiley and bubbly, and brought the mood to joy by just entering a room. When I heard her and Josh had finally connected as a couple, I knew the world had been set right for them. The Lord blessed their lives with two beautiful children and I can know that she cherished her moments, every one of them, with you. May her strength and her joy shine through you.

Jen Fries

July 29, 2016

Heather, I did not know you personally, but your Uncle Mike Rima is the pastor at my church. I admire your strong will and determination to keep fighting for your family. My hope and prayer is that you are in heaven, no longer suffering and in pain. I hope you are celebrating with loved ones at this very moment. I continue to pray for your family.
With Love,

Daniel, Jessica & Jayden Baldwin

July 29, 2016

Your journey and strength has touched my heart and soul. I think of Heather and her family often. As someone who didn't get the pleasure of knowing here personally, I felt her strength, love and passion for life and kids. I'm so sorry for the loss and heartache but know she lives on with so many people now. She was a gift!

Laura Rehwaldt

July 28, 2016

Dear Josh, Corbin, Kiera, John, Janna and the entire extended family;
My family hurts with you and we all pray that you will find some sense of peace knowing that Heather is out of pain and misery and with the Lord, and with Justin. So many thousands of people followed Heather's story and became stronger by her strength, as her body weakened. Josh, you are a testimony to the men of your generation, above and below. Me and my kids & family and friends, who have heard your story, continue to pray for you all regularly; all of you. I can't imagine the pain you are all in. I am unable to be in the Seattle area on the 30th, but I will pray that the Lord carries you through and beyond in HIS peace and comfort. Much love, Laura (Beason) Rehwaldt

Arlene Thoe

July 28, 2016

My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family! She was a wonderful young lady and a good friend of my granddaughters. She now is resting & breathing easy in Heaven with all Gods other Angels. She fought a good fight, but God said her work here on earth was done and needed her there. God bless you!

Deborah King

July 28, 2016

Dear Josh, kids, Mom, Dad, everyone who knew & loved sweet Heather...my thoughts & prayers are with you all. I pray your memories & love for Heather will be with you always. She's your Angel that will watch over you all. RIP Heather!!
Deborah King

July 28, 2016

I know of you and have prayed for because of Sam ans Sue Rima. I will continue to pray for Jos and your children. I am so glad you had that special time with them before you went home. I'll meet you someday in heaven. Virginia Rolin

Shaun Taylor

July 28, 2016

Rest in heaven. Didn't know you, but one of my FBF shared your story. I weap for your family, praying that as they move day by day the grief doesn't consume them for long. I pray that they remember the good times when the pain is unbearable. I pray the comfort that only God can give. I'm so sorry for you loss. Know that people are praying for you... Even in Dallas, Tx.

Diane Johnson

July 28, 2016

The love you so obviously have for each other is inspiring, contagious and something each of us long for and few ever find. Hearing your journey encourages me to be a better mother, wife and grandmother. Thank you for so openly sharing your lives with us. You and your children's heart ache must feel unbearable right now. I'm so sorry that you are walking though this valley while she is enjoying the mountaintop. I believe love transcends all things, even death. Praying peace to you and your family.

Wanda Hogaboom

July 28, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to Josh and family. Such a beautiful lady that will be missed.

Ginger Torgrimson

July 28, 2016

Dear Josh, Corbin and Kiera,
We have been sending you prayers from afar. We live in Tampa Florida and we have been keeping you in our prayers after our friends in WA state (where we used to live in Miklteo) posted an update and prayer request for your Mom!
Many miracles were witnesses during your Mothers long Struggle. I truly wish I could have known here. She continues to inspire those of us left behind.
Her legacy will live on in the three of you! You were lucky to have known her hugged her kissed her and learned from her. That will never leave you.
Know that she is in a beautiful place watching over you.
I will continue to say prayers for you all, that you find peace and happiness and continue her great legacy.
You kids will be a beautiful reminder to her friends and family as you grow they will see her in your smile, in a laugh or a habit you will have that Mom had when she was alive. That too will be bitter and sweet all at the same time.
You are loved from all around the world! Don't ever forget that! Your Mom touched so many people through her courageous struggle! Thank you for sharing her with us!
Love Peace and Happiness to you all!
Love, Ginger Torgrimson and Family

Jamie Parker

July 28, 2016

There are no words of comfort when the Lord decides to bring home his daughter who was a fighter.. a superhero..and amazing mom and a best friend. Thank you for sharing this journey with us all, and leaving us all life lesson videos. May the Lord bless you and keep you close to his heart in this time of loss.

Tabby Bolaños

July 28, 2016

Rest in paradise sweet angel! May your wings spread far and your halo sparkle. So much love and prayers for josh and family!

Sally & Ryan Estoy

July 28, 2016

Josh & Family - I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort knowing you have family and friends who care about you and will always remember Heather. May the comfort of our Lord God bless you and guide you and your family during these difficult times.

Patsy Gilbert

July 28, 2016

You are with our Lord and all other family and friends that have gone before you. I know you are watching over your family. I pray that Josh and the kids find peace knowing you aren't suffering anymore. God bless all of you

Terri Anderson

July 28, 2016

One of Heavens most Beautiful Angels

Stephanie Newell

July 28, 2016

Rest in Paradise Heather. You are such an amazing soul. My prayers to your family at this time, you have been such a fighter, rest now. Watch over them. ♡

Leah

July 27, 2016

Heather, your bravery was an inspiration for all of us. Rest in peace sweet girl. With love, from all of us who had the honor of caring for you.

Erin and Chad Radcliff

July 27, 2016

Heather may you rest in peace. Breath deep and fly free. You will truly be missed and never forgotten. I pray for your family to find peace in this difficult time, and know the support and love they have from family friends and the community following your story. You where the bravest and strongest woman I have ever met!