Heather L. Saari, 36, of Las Cruces, NM beloved daughter of Janis Saari of Las Cruces, NM and Rick Saari of San Angelo, TX died suddenly Tuesday November 13, 2007 at her home. Born in Las Cruces on October 10, 1971, Heather was raised in Las Cruces and graduated from Las Cruces High School. She was to receive a degree in Hotel Management from New Mexico State University in December 2007. Heather loved animals and was a culinary expert. Survivors, in addition to her parents, are her grandmother Annie L. Manzenberger and her companion Doug Metcalf.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Monday November 19, 2007 at the Getz Funeral Home Chapel. Officiating will be Rev. Gorton Smith.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Heather's name to Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, 555 Utah Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001.
Arrangements by Getz Funeral Home, corner of Solano and Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 526-2419. To sign the local online guest book go to www.GetzFuneralHome.com

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

Published by Las Cruces Sun-News on Nov. 18, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Heather Saari

19 Entries

Joe Castaneda

August 26, 2025

I don't know how I am just seeing this nearly 20 years later and I feel terrible about it. I grew up living down the circle from Heather. From birthday parties, to water balloon fights, to just listening to music we had grand adventures. When I was going through a hard time before moving to Kentucky, Heather and I would sit on the roof of my house, listen to music, watch the stars, and talk about anything that came to mind. And when I came back from Kentucky, Heather and Kiva were the first to welcome me home. There was one night where she was home alone and swore she heard a ghost. She asked if I could sit in her living room while she fell asleep on the couch. It was almost 4am when she finally fell asleep and I got to go home! But she was a good friend where we would do that for each other. Sometimes, I didn't have to ask, she knew when I needed a friend. Now that my son is 17, I tell about things he will never know about growing up in the 70s and 80s. And when I think back to those times, Heather is there in a lot of those memories. I miss you still, friend. Even after all this time.

Mary Alvillar aka Madrid

December 4, 2007

I am so truly sorry for your loss, Heather and I went through a lot of weirdness growing up together in high school. I am sorry that I never got to apologize to her for some of the things that passed between us. Heather was a good person and I will always remember her laugh, her leather jacket and her high hair. My love to the family and to Heather.

Christa Graham ( Marricle)

November 24, 2007

I was sorry to hear about Heather's passing. I haven't been in touch with her in years, but we've known each other since elementary school. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jan and Rick.

Travis McNiel

November 21, 2007

Although I haven't seen Heather in years I was taken by her passing. I remember great times growing up with Heather. She was an awesome girl with tons of spirit and spunk. My prayers go to her family.

Bob Daniels

November 20, 2007

Heather was like family to me and will be greatly missed

Nancy Lovato (Valles)

November 19, 2007

I enjoyed Girl Scouts and riding bikes with Heather when we were kids. I hadn't seen her in many years but she will be missed. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Farelle Flores

November 19, 2007

I was greatly saddened to hear of Heather's passing and send my deepest, heartfelt condolences to Jan and Rick and families. I will never forget Heather's sunny personality, she made others happy simply with her winning smile. It has been years since I'd seen her, but the time we went to see the fireworks at the NMSU campus years ago has always stuck in my mind because she just cracked everybody up. I love you all and wish I could have been there this morning, love Farelle, Paul, Cody, Richelle and Brittney.

Keith Mandabach

November 19, 2007

The faculty, students and staff of the School of Hotel Restaurant and Tourism Management wish to express or deepest condolences and sense of loss to Heather's family and friends. She had finished her work and was ready to graduate from our school. We will miss her and will honor her memory. Unfortunately I am out of town for my mothers 85th birthday and cannot attend the services...Peace Keith Mandabach

Vonnie Reinke

November 19, 2007

My deepest and sincere sympathies extended on the passing of Heather. May your loving memories of Heather help you through your loss.

Kiva Davis

November 19, 2007

Jan, I am so sorry. Blessed be, Kiva

Heather Gandy (Allen)

November 19, 2007

My prayers go out to Heather's family. When Heather and I were freshman; she drove us in her VW to the High School for our classes. We had the best time. I haven't seen her in years but am glad I had a friend like her during adolescence. I am sorry for your loss.

Eva Chavira Yelton

November 19, 2007

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

JoeHenry Armendariz & Family

November 19, 2007

My condolences to the family and friends of Heather. May peace be with Heathers family as Heather now rests in peace. God Bless.

Kristina (Moreno) Estrada

November 18, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with Heather's friends and family. Heather and I were in Girl Scouts together in elementary school, and a lot of fun at the Saari's house. I'll remember Heather's spunky personality with great fondness. With sympathy --

Susan (Korsak) Sweeney

November 18, 2007

I'm so very sorry to hear of Heather's passing. I remember her as an adorable little blonde girl and I know Kiva enjoyed her friendship during their early childhoods. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen Kimball (Meadows)

November 18, 2007

I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear the news about Heather. Although I hadn't seen or spoken with her in years, we had a lot of fun together as kids. She was such a bright and strong person. I wish you peace in such a difficult time.

Larry & Joyce Green

November 18, 2007

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Belen Nemec

November 18, 2007

Jan,
My thoughts and prayers are with you, I know how difficult this time is, and I pray for God to give you his peace and understanding. Love your friend, Belen Nemec

DAVID MAESE

November 18, 2007

I went to school with heather in Junior high, Im very sorry to hear of her passing.I pray that God blesses the family during this hard time.

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