Kierstin Danelle Higgins, or Kierstin ‘Croom’ Higgins as she liked to be called was born on January 7, 2000 in Port Arthur, Texas to Shauna Stroud and Thomas Croom. She was just over two weeks shy of her highly anticipated 18th birthday when she passed away at the University of Utah medical Center on December 20, 2017. She was being treated for issues relating to her heart transplant.
It is hard to comprehend all that this young lady endured in her short time on earth. As a young child she was diagnosed with cancer and the resulting treatment left her with a weakened heart. Not many years after she was taken from her home and beloved siblings for reasons well beyond her control and placed in foster care. At 10 years of age she came to live with her future adoptive parents, Jon and Lisa Higgins of Townsend, Montana: Lisa is the sister of Kierstin’s deceased father Thomas Croom.
On December 22, 2011 Kierstin was happily adopted into her new home.
One year later, however hardship found its way to Kierstin again. Her weakened heart finally failed her and she was taken by life flight to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City. She was then told that she would not survive without a heart transplant and was placed on the donor search list immediately. The search, which the doctors said may take months, was concluded in just under two days and she underwent the surgery on January 11, 2013. Following a successful procedure her doctor told her that she would not have survived a longer delay even with advanced life support. This was one of the many examples of God’s provision in Kierstin’s life. Kierstin’s church Faith Baptist and the Townsend community were so supportive to her throughout this time. It was truly amazing and we are so thankful for this care. Kierstin was a walking miracle and had nearly no physical limitations after her transplant.
Although Kierstin had a great deal of adversity in her life, she demonstrated strength in the midst of it. She had a real love of family and friends and enjoyed being around people in general. She often demonstrated compassion for those around her. She had a real love for music of all sorts, and music helped her get through many of the harder periods of her life.
Kierstin was a good student and loved volleyball and most any extra curricular activity that allowed her to be part of a group. She was a dynamic girl with a wide-opened spirit and will be missed by many from now on. Kierstin had her own way throughout her life. There is a way that people think you should be, and there is a way people expect you to be. Then there was the Kierstin way to be…. one foot off the line and just outside of the box. Those who embraced her unique way benefited from it. Kierstin’s life taught many of us how to love, even when the weight of her circumstances made it hard for her to respond to that love in the way we hoped she would. She was somehow able to impact the lives of many people all across our country, and most anyone who ever met her remembers her. She spoke boldly about her faith in Christ and we know that she is safe in his arms now. Those who share her faith in Jesus can look forward to seeing her again.
A visitation will be held from 12-5 p.m. Thursday, December 28th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke. Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 29th at Faith Baptist Church, 5 Jack Farm Rd, Townsend, Montana, 59644. The burial will follow the funeral service at Deep Creek Cemetery on Townsend. The reception will directly follow at Faith Baptist Church.
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday December 28, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend , Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m
Friday December 29, 2017
Faith Baptist Church
5 Jack Farm Rd
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 29, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
To Follow the Graveside service.
Friday December 29, 2017
Faith Baptist Church
5 Jack Farm Rd
Townsend, Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Viewing
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday December 28, 2017
Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
212 Broadway St.
Townsend , Montana 59644
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m
Friday December 29, 2017
Faith Baptist Church
5 Jack Farm Rd
Townsend, Montana 59644
Burial
Following the Funeral Service
Friday December 29, 2017
Deep Creek Cemetery
Townsend, Montana 59644
Reception
To Follow the Graveside service.
Friday December 29, 2017
Faith Baptist Church
5 Jack Farm Rd
Townsend, Montana 59644
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Janice And Gray Fansler says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family this wee especially!! We love you guys and wish we could be there with you! May God give you strength to get through this difficult time!
Much love and hugs,
Gray, Janice, Jonathan, Jeffrey, and Jennifer Fansler
Heather Persinger says
Prayers for each of you during this time of loss!
Chris, Heather, Cole, Callee & Cadi Persinger
Linda Davis says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you.
Shauna Stroud Puente says
Kierstin, I thank God that you were able to come home to Texas and spend this last summer reconnecting with me your the rest of your family here. I’ll never forget how excited you were when you landed the job as a Lifeguard the Water park here, or how we were running around at the last minute trying to make sure you had everything you needed for youth camp. From picnics in the park and playing dress up with your sisters, to driving lessons where you insisted we teach you “hands-on.” We made some amazing and unforgettable memories. I still can’t believe the embrace we shared at the airport was our last, we we’re both so tearful we could barely print your boarding pass. I’m thankful we agreed to your early mini-Christmas before you left, those presents are now priceless treasures. We’ll never forget Thanksgiving. P.S. – Pecan Pie will never be the same. Love always, Mom (Shauna Stroud Puente)
Bryce Harrison says
I don’t know if any of you guys knew about me, but for a few months before Kierstin moved, we were really good friends. I was closer to her at that time than I was to anyone else. My favorite memories of her were just talking on the phone about anything and everything, and just sitting together chatting. We had a falling out about six months ago, but I still really cared about her. I got the news on Wednesday that she had passed. It floored me. I know how much it hurt me, and I can’t imagine how much it hurts her friends and family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I miss her too. My condolences go out to everyone her knew her and cared about her.
Jason Bartosik says
Such a sweet, funny, wonderful girl. My heart breaks for your family. See you in heaven!
Jo Parsons says
Loosing a loved one is never easy. Kierstin was loved by many. Loved by those who knew her in person and by those who had plans to meet her. I know one day in Heaven that meeting will be the best. Jesus will throw us a party, a party for the two sisters that never got to meet in person. My daughter Destinee loved Kierstin. They spoke on the phone often, shared photos via social websites, spoke of music and sang to each other. They shared the same dad and from I know, they both have a love for music like he did. To all family of Kierstin, we are praying for you all during this time of loss. Cherish her memories of fun and laughter and adventure. With love Jo Parsons
CAROLYN SCHAEFER says
With Sincere Sympathy we mourn the passing of Kierstin…she will always be in our prayers. May God comfort each one of You.
Robert & Marie Mile says
We wanted to share our condolences with Kierstin’s family. It is never easy to have to say goodbye to a loved one. The pain of loss can be unbearable. Our Creator promises us that one day this pain will be just a memory. That beautiful promise can be found at Revelation 21:3,4. Our pain and suffering will be a thing of the past, and we can cry tears of joy as we welcome back the ones that we love so much. We hope you find comfort in those promises.