Heidi Lee Hepworth was born on August 21, 1976 in Afton, Wyoming at the old brick hospital. She was known for her first two weeks as baby Hepworth. Finally after two weeks of calling her baby, the name Heidi was finally picked for this special spirit. She was 5lbs 8 oz and ready to fight. Because she wasn’t gaining weight and suspicions of downs syndrome it was decided to send her to the University of Utah for some more tests. After further testing, they confirmed downs syndrome and severe heart problems. We were then told to take her home and if she was still alive in a month, we were to bring her back down. Heidi’s spunk and Dixie’s determination got her through that month. Starting monthly, Heidi was taken down to Primary Children’s Hospital for treatments and several surgeries over the years. Her last surgery was open heart surgery when she was 18. Heidi had a love for life! She had many teachers and mentors while she was growing up that helped shape her life. She participated in Special Olympics, 4H Horse, Talent Sprouts, gymnastics and completed 14 years of school, gaining a certificate of completion from Star Valley High School in 1997. Heidi then moved on to being the first client for Lincoln Self Reliance Inc. She continued her education, and had the opportunity to learn life skills. She worked at several different businesses in the community where she shared her love of life with all she met. The last job she had was at Thayne True Value as a stocker for the BEST BOSS EVER!
Heidi lived her life to the fullest. It was filled with family, friends, ice cream with chocolate topping, and a smile and hug for everybody. She returned to her Father in Heaven on Sunday January 24th, after a long battle with health problems. She is survived by her parents, Hal and Dixie. Her sisters, Jeane Covill and Jan (Travis) McManigal and her brothers Trevor (Rachel) Hepworth and Tyson (Stephanie) Hepworth. She was the best aunt to 19 nieces and nephews and 1 great niece and nephew.