Heather Gosney Smith, 45
Heather Jo Gosney passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017, after a painful and debilitating illness “and was received by her Lord and Savior; ‘And the God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ. After you have suffered, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm, steadfast forever and ever.’” — 1st Peter 5:10
Heather was born on Feb. 29, 1972, infamous from that day as her picture was on the front page of the Daily Inter Lake as a Leap Year Baby, and she always maintained that she was younger than any one of us. Heather grew up in Kalispell with her parents Lorey Gyrion Gosney, Denny Gosney, and her sister Meghan Gosney Schneider. Growing up, Heather, Meghan and close cousins Kimmy and Marcie had many adventures. Some of her favorite times were at the family cabin on Flathead Lake, staying up all night with her Auntie DeAnn, dancing to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” in Auntie’s heels. In the winter every Saturday morning she rode up to Big Mountain with her Grandpa Pat Gyrion and good friend Cayce Gambil singing “Purple People Eater” and “Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” on Grandpa’s 8-track player. She also enjoyed spending time and visiting her beloved Auntie Nita in California. She took on the city of San Francisco at 17 with great abandon. (Her Auntie Nita gave a bit more freedom than her parents probably allowed). Heather also enjoyed the times spent in Lake Stevens, Washington, with close relatives.
Heather attended college in Seattle, where she lived for nine years and made many lifelong friendships. While living in Washington, Heather had a successful career at the Wesmar Company as a general manager. Heather also worked for Cellular One and in the mortgage industry. In each position she held, Heather made many more lasting friendships.
In 1998 Heather moved back to Montana and married Tanner Smith. They had three children who were the light of her life. Family, friends and her children were the most important things in her life. She cherished her times playing board games with her kids, hiking Lone Pine and watching the “Middle.”
Heather loved being a mom above all else. She put on the best Easter egg hunts. She loved having family gatherings, the children’s birthday parties, and filling every space in the kitchen with delectable dishes.
The very brightest star in the sky could not rival Heather. When she walked in a room, faces lit up with joy. She was charismatic, independent, beautiful, feisty, intelligent beyond measure, loving, caring and a wonderful mom. She loved our family greatly and was protective of us all, with a “don’t mess with my people” attitude. She loved Jesus and is with Him now. We can’t help but wish she was still here. We love you baby girl, you are so missed.
Heather is survived by her beautiful children, Bridger, Caeden and Addi Smith; parents, Lorey and Denny Gosney; her favorite and most loyal and loving sister, Meghan Schneider (GW); also her favorite niece and nephews, Dylan, Gauge and Bianca Schneider, whom Heather adored. Also surviving is her Uncle Randy Gyrion, (Ester), Uncle Mike Gyrion, Aunt DeAnn Gosney Sampson, (Rocky), close cousins Marcie Dougherty Buchholtz, (Lyle), and Kim Dougherty Soteros, (Chris), and Aunty Nita Rice Hawkes, (Tom). Heather was also very close to all of her cousins, nieces and nephews and extended family.
Heather was preceded in death by grandparents, Jackie Rice Gyrion and Pat Gyrion, and Dorothy McDaniel Gosney and Harley Gosney.
Heather was a cherished daughter, loving mother, strong woman and perfect niece and friend to all and she will forever be missed.
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” — John 11:25
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, May 26, at the Canvas Church, 255 Summit Ridge in Kalispell. Refreshments will be served following the service.