Heather Craiger

January 23, 1990 - March 9, 2019

Come-and-go viewing and visitation will be 9am-8pm Wednesday and Thursday, March 13th & 14th at Wilson Funeral Home. A service celebrating Heather's life will be at 2pm on Friday, March 15 at Wesley United Methodist Church in El Reno with burial following at El Reno Cemetery. Mary “Heather” Craiger, 29, passed at 8:48 p.m., Saturday, March 9th, 2019, due to a sudden Saddle Embolism on her lungs. Heather was born January 23rd, 1990, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Heather grew up in Yukon, OK with her mother, two sisters, and big brother. Heather attended Yukon High School and graduated with the class of 2008. Heather went on to receive her Associates with a General Education degree from Redlands Community College Class of 2012, (Phi Theta Kappa). Heather enjoyed college life, she and her girl friends enjoyed hanging out with the boys basketball team. They played water ball, had water balloon fights, and just enjoyed hanging out in the courtyard. Heather was loyal to those friends close to her. She was there for her friends whenever they needed a hand or a heart. Heather was there for her best friend Rene as she helped her through some very hard times. Heather has always been there when someone was in need of a listening ear. Heather’s love story began with the love of her life, Harold Shivley in June 2011. They were inseparable and the center of each other’s worlds. Heather is a chapter in Harold’s life which will never be replaced or forgotten. One of Harold’s favorite memories with her is when they would play pool at Slick Willie’s and sit in the car and listen to the radio together. The small moments they shared were ones Harold with cherish the rest of his life. Heather had a passion for life! She worked very hard and she loved fiercely. Heather, for the most part, was a quiet soul, as her beloved Nonna Jeannette said, “Heather studies and listens to people.” Heather was a unique individual and when she would talk or share a story, she had a way of catching our attention. When Heather spoke she really had something to say. Her brother Mitchell says, “Little Heather was fierce and brave in her own way.” The bond Heather shared with her brother and two sisters was so great. The four of them leaned on one another for everything. Heather loved her mother with all of her soul. She knew no matter what, her momma would be there for her always and love her unconditionally. The day she was born and placed in her momma’s arms a smile, like no other smile, gave Heather’s momma a new strength. The passing of Heather’s Papaw, a year and a half before, left a deep sadness in her mother’s heart. She said, “Heather was a gift from God and Papaw.” It was a light at the end of a dark tunnel for her momma. She will always be momma’s “Heather Bear.” Heather’s father, David Craiger, prayed as we all did this would not be Heather’s ending. These are the words he shared and we believe this to be true.. “ As we have been praying that Heather would be healed and I felt in my spirit that Heather possibly a few days ago caught a glimpse of Heaven and once there, couldn’t bring herself to want to leave. We, her family, left behind here on earth couldn’t comprehend the thought of her leaving us behind even at such a young age. Heather most likely saw the beauty of Heaven, her wonderful savior, and the glory of God. Even though her family was earnestly praying for her return, I believe Heather just couldn’t choose to leave the wonder and beauty of Heaven and return to her earth suit; her physical body. Let us then realize that she is now in the loving hands of her Lord and wonderful Savior, Jesus.” Heather is survived by her Mother, Mary Lane Craiger, Father, David Craiger and wife, Sandie Craiger, Brother, Mitchell Craiger, Sisters, Meredith Garrett Craiger and Marcella Erhardt Craiger, and Step-Sisters Shelly Scott and Jennifer Strawbridge. Nieces and nephews, Desiree, Selena, Lucas Scott, Alexis, Calyn Jeannette, Makena, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Heather is preceded in death by her Grandparents, Papaw, M.A. Mitchell Jr. and Nonna, Jeannette Mitchell as well as Grandparents, Grandpa, John Robert Craiger and Grandma, Ruby Craiger. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 15, at Wesley United Methodist Church, Pastor Bob Younts officiating with burial in the El Reno Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Rob Langenberg, John M. Mercer Jr., Hershel Duke, Nicholas Short, Trevor Erhardt, and Greg Dotson. Honorary Pallbearers, Mack Smith, Jeff Smith, Eddie Smith, John Mercer Sr., David Hodgekinson, and Jody Griebel. Heather’s passing has left her family unprepared for this sudden event, being that there were no financial arrangements in place prior to the unexpected loss. Friends are welcome to make contributions toward funeral costs to: https://www.gofundme.com/services-for-heather-craiger?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=fb_co_campmgmt_w All other donations may be made to Wesley United Methodists Church in memory of or charity of your choice. Arrangements under the direction of Wilson Funeral Home, El Reno, Oklahoma.