*See the full-feature video about Heather’s story here.

Heather Lerch was a beautiful, young woman that left this earth far too soon.  She was loved by most that came into contact with her.  This was evident at her funeral. More than 400 people attended.  Friends told stories, sharing how Heather would make the newcomer feel comfortable by introducing herself:  “Hi, I’m Heather. Do you want to be my friend?”

Heather started a lot of friendships that way.

Heather was very responsible when it came to money.  She had just purchased her second car.  She had paid-off  her first car in less than 2 years.  She would save, plan and research for anything that she wanted to purchase.

Heather was attending Centralia College where she had made numerous friends. Her interest was in criminal justice, especially forensics. She was looking forward to finishing at Centralia and moving-on to a four year college.

Heather was an avid snowboarder and skier.  She started skiing lessons when she was just 3-years-old.  While vacationing at Mt. Bachelor one year, she decided to try snowboarding.  She became very good at it, as well.  We have great memories of family ski vacations in Canada, Oregon, Montana and Idaho.

Heather made a terrible mistake on that fateful night of February 23, 2010.  She was just driving home from work.  When less than 3-miles from home, she decided to text back-and-forth with a friend. The conversation wasn’t that important. It could have waited.   The conversation was not worth her life.

Please don’t text and drive.  Come home alive.

-Dan and Wendy Lerch,
Heather’s Parents