Eva Darleen Thorstad

Eva Darleen Thorstad (aka Eva D) was born on December 2, 2014, in Wichita, Kansas and touched so many lives with her radiant smile, unconditional love and fierce determination to live. Unfortunately for us, her desire to return to her Heavenly Father became her reality on December 1, 2024 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just one day shy of her 10th birthday. Leaving behind a family that adored her deeply.

Eva was an extraordinary young girl who lived life with unyielding determination and a joyful heart. Despite facing numerous surgeries and illnesses throughout her short life, she exhibited a remarkable ability to overcome each challenge with grace and courage, embodying perseverance at its finest. She showed us what it looks like to run your race well and being content in all circumstances. Her fervent love for serving and worshipping our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was extraordinary and it is surely her challenge for us left behind to strive towards.

Although she was quick to tell David he was her second favorite dad only to her Heavenly Father, Eva was a daddy’s girl through and through. She would even get jealous when her dad would show any type of affection to her mother, up until recently. She was homeschooled by her mother alongside her sisters Piper and Jiana, and enjoyed learning about Jesus daily through her schoolwork. Her favorite activities outside the home included homeschool ballet, church on Sundays where she learned her favorite 10 finger verse, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and Wednesday night girls’ group at JAG where she forged friendships, especially her BFFL Kimber. 

The color pink, unicorns, the phrase “I love you” and rainbows filled her notebooks, as well as the many artistic masterpieces she drew, painted and crafted for her family and friends daily. Eva’s most favorite activities included jumping on the trampoline, swimming, going to the park, and riding her bike with Liam, Piper and sometimes Jiana. She also enjoyed getting lost in her imagination while playing Barbies with Piper.

Eva will be lovingly remembered by her parents, Laryssa and David, brother and sisters, Liam, Piper and Jiana, grandparents, Tammy and Steve Uthe, Margo and Malcom Dahlgren, Wayne Thorstad, along with her aunts and uncles, JJ Stanton, Cappie (Emily) Stanton, Kelli Thorstad, Trista Jerome. Eva is also survived by her great-grandparents, Judy and Mike Whitehead, who find comfort in the love she has shared. They will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Predeceased by her maternal grandfather, Jeffrey Stanton, and a host of family and friends who have gone before her, Eva is now gathering all the love she shared in this life and being strongly embraced by them.

As we reflect on the short yet impactful journey of Eva D Thorstad, we hold close the memories of her vibrant heart, her indomitable spirit, and her profound love for Jesus Christ and life. She reminds us to cherish every second of every day, loving one another with a selfless unconditional love, and stop frequently to see the beauty in the world God gave us, just as she did. 

Eva’s life will be celebrated at JAG Church in Meriden, Kansas. Family and friends are invited to join the visitation on December 7, 2024 from 1:00- 2:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life service to follow. 

To leave a message for her family online, please utilize the guestbook below.