Heidi LoAve Hernandez

Heidi LoAve Hernandez was born on May 19, 1973, in Pocatello, Idaho, to Sally Thomson and Richard Hernandez. She passed away peacefully at her mother’s home on August 26, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

From a young age, Heidi’s passion for animals and the natural world was unmistakable. Horses stole her heart and became her lifelong love. She spent much of her childhood riding her beloved horse, Raft, competing in barrel racing, English riding, and with the Choctaw Riding Club. At just 14, she became the youngest recipient of the Idaho State Horsemanship Award. She thrived in 4-H, drill team, rodeos, and competitions across Idaho and Wyoming, always supported by her grandparents Ray Roy and LoAve Garton, who cheered her on every step of the way.

Heidi attended Grace Lutheran School while her mother worked for the Union Pacific Railroad to provide for her education, later graduating from Highland High School. She and her sister Trinee often spent time with the Hernandez family in their childhood. She had a close bond with her sisters. Her love of animals extended far beyond horses—her home was filled with snakes, peacocks, cats, chickens, turkeys, dogs, chinchillas, lizards, and more. She had a special gift for rescuing and loving those in need, whether people or animals. Her beloved dogs, Indy and Foxxy, were especially close to her heart.

Her adventurous spirit created countless memories with her siblings: horseback rides, mountain trips, gymnastics flips, “cookies” in parking lots, and snowmobile adventures. She instilled a love of reading, exploring, and faith in her family, having read the Bible cover to cover eight times. She brought Scripture to life with her wisdom and passion.

Heidi was a devoted sister to Christina, Katrina “Trinni,” Angela, and Allie, always nurturing and caring at her core. Her greatest joy, however, was raising her children: Jenna, LoAve, Anthony, and Kenisha. Becoming a grandmother brought her the greatest delight, and nothing lit up her face more than her grandchildren’s laughter. Heidi and her sister had babies at the same time, and she often babysat her niece Kylee while her sister attended college.

She spent many years in Twin Falls, Idaho, where she worked as a preschool teacher at Immanuel Lutheran. Known for her playful spirit, she often climbed trees to keep a bird’s-eye view of her students. She also found community in her church families, being raised in the United Methodist Church, then attending Kimberly Church of the Nazarene, and later Pocatello Christian Outreach Center, where she developed lasting bonds.

Later in life, Heidi returned to Pocatello to care for her beloved Grandma Garton at the Dry Farm, her “happy place.” There she lived with her daughter Kenisha and her grandchildren, surrounded by mountains, peace, and family.

Heidi’s faith was her foundation. Each morning, she began her day with her Bible, coffee, and the teachings of Joyce Meyer. When diagnosed with cancer, her doctor told her most patients survived two years. Heidi asked what was the longest a patient had lived. He said seven years, and she replied, “I’ll make it to eight.” And she did. Her resilience, grit, and faith never wavered.

During this journey, she also found love with her caring partner, Mike Terry. Together, they shared adventures at Bear Lake, the cabin, and in nature—always celebrating life and animals.

Heidi will be remembered for her kindness, her ability to root for the underdog, her courage, and her faith. She lived on “Heidi Time,” often running late but always making life an adventure in what the family lovingly called “Heidiland.” Her presence reminded everyone that they were loved and never alone.

Heidi is survived by her children: Jenna (Rhett) Bryant, LoAve (Richard) Feurer, Anthony Meier, and Kenisha Christian; her grandchildren: Boston, Aurora, Avelyn, Declan, Brevin, Freya, Soren, and Bennett; her mother, Sally Thomson; her father, Richard (Georgia) Hernandez; her sisters: Christina England, Katrina (Marco) Darner, Angela (Jake) Hendricks, and Allie Hernandez; her loving partner, Mike Terry; and her many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray Roy and LoAve Garton, and Alvino and Angela Marie Hernandez.

In honor of her wishes, Heidi’s ashes will be spread on the family farm, where she felt most at peace.

Heidi’s life was a testament to faith, family, perseverance, and compassion. Though our loss is great, we rest in the comfort of her enduring reminder: God is greater.

Services will be held on September 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Pocatello Christian Outreach Center, 1435 N Main St, Pocatello, Idaho.

Flowers may be sent to Christine’s Floral. 

Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting the Guestbook below.