Krista Marie Vance

Krista had a deep joy for singing and a deep love for animals. I remember always hearing music or her beautiful voice coming from her bedroom. For anyone who was granted the joy of hearing her sing, then you understand the gift she was blessed with.

As a child, she would spend hours sorting animal pictures and learning each breed of dog. Going into adulthood and taking care of so many animals from cats, dogs, chickens, roosters. She loved each of them no more than the other and poured her endless love into caring for each of them.

Although she struggled so deeply from within, the sheer amount of strength, dedication, and endurance she possessed was impressive. Exceptional feats that will not go unnoticed.

She is survived by her loving life partner, Rick Evans, mother and stepfather, Kathy and Russell Jones, siblings, Brendan Vance, Jessica (Travis Murray) Vance and Presley Vance. Bonus siblings, Michelle Jones, Katrina (Jason) Heidt, Shasta (Mike) Price, Kent (Connie) Jones, Bethany and Alyssa Samways. Her nieces and nephews, Ashayla, Cosette, Vennette, Kasius, Aiylee, Kydan, Ethan, Destinie, Kylee, Lily, Mercedes, Weston, Olivia, Scarlett, TK and Hailey. Aunts and Uncles, Sharon and Clayton Merchant, Bobby and Teresa Heidt, Jerry and Marina Heidt, Lee Warnken and Kelly Vance. Cousins, Heather and Chelsey Merchant, Jason, Marylynn (Bruce), Ryan and Andrew Heidt, JJ and Lauri Heidt, Virginia Warnken, Chantal and Kenny Vance.

Preceded in death by her father Jay Vance, grandparents Ken and Cherie Vance, Alice and Robert Heidt, Nancy Heidt, Rose Jones. Aunt and uncle, Jenafer Warnken and Lee Vance.

Dear life partner, daughter, sister, friend, cousin, niece,

You were valued and loved on a level I don’t believe you knew. Your singing and goofiness will be the memories we forever choose to hold on to. You had a light that emanated when you laughed, bringing us happiness that made us laugh with you.

You had this kindness that was genuine and pure. And a love for animals that helped you endure. Endure the pain you fought every day, that same pain that suddenly took you away.

Demons and enemies, one all in the same. Relentlessly fighting in a perseverance game. The strength that you held one could not compare, the life that you led, the definition of unfair.

Succumbed to dejection, determination unmatched. To move forward feels wrong, knowing we’ll never get you back. Our lives continue forward, while yours came to a rest, so we’ll hold onto and cherish the memories of when you were at your best.

You were loved as you were and now as you are. May peace be alongside you and your demons be far.

And from your favorite song I read the lyrics and cry, fitting the moment, here is a passage from Mariah Carey, Butterfly:

“I have learned that beauty

Has to flourish in the light

Wild horses run unbridled

Or their spirit dies

You have given me the courage

To be all that I can

And I truly feel your heart will

Lead you back to me when you're

Ready to land.

Spread your wings and prepare to fly

For you have become a butterfly, oh

Fly abandonedly into the sun

If you should return to me

We truly were meant to be

So spread your wings and fly

Butterfly, butterfly.”

Krista, you are and always will be loved by many.

Forever and always,

Your family <3

The viewing will be held at Valley View Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 4335 W 4100 S, West Valley City, UT 84120. Thursday March 16th between 3:00PM and 6:30PM. The viewing will be the time you are welcome to share your condolences with the family and say your goodbyes to the beautiful Krista Marie.