Part of an email about Shirea from her Aunt Mary Ann Kuntz:   " ..........I know I have some pictures of Shirea's visit to Ky., some of her in North Dakota, and some of the funeral. I am so thankful for her trip to Ky. and to North Dakota. (Even though we lost her during that time to North Dakota), what if she didn't go and it was her time to leave this world, there were a bunch of family members that would have never met her. Everyone was touched by her love, kindness, that beautiful smile, and her silly ways. She was already a teenager when I first laid eyes on her. I went to pick her up at the airport,( in Ky.), I was expecting a timid and shy little girl. She came off the plane with her arms spread wide open and had hugs for everyone! She fit right in the moment we met. At that time I felt I had known her a life time. Little did I know it was a very short lifetime. I had her on my mind a lot yesterday, I went to the beach in the evening about dusk, I saw and picked up the most beautiful shell I've seen (and I have a bunch) guess what color it is? Yhep, it's ORANGE. I looked up at the sky and saw one bright star already out. I smiled at it and thanked God for the love and laughter we did share.
Aunt Mary Ann Kurtz

A great suggestion from James Brookins, Shirea's friend (and her teacher and CIM advisor):

" .....  Just was wondering if there was a possibility of enabling a guestbook maybe, some
of us might have something we feel like we would put down there....Maybe this would mean something to the family too..... "

Thank you for that suggestion to Jim. We have added the guestbook and it is now active. Your comments and messages there will be a tribute to Shirea's memory and will bring comfort to her family.

A thoughtful email we got from Randall Normand:

"Hey my name is Randall Normand I live in Vernonia, Oregon I didn't really know her that well but it still hit me when she died. I feel so bad she was just to young but I think it is so cool that you did what you did with the website. I wish I hade an Aunt and Uncle like you. Every one in Vernonia is hart broken .................. I'm so sorry."

Hi! Hope this email finds you well. I was one of Shirea's best friends and went to visit her website and thought you'd like this picture. It is from our Junior year prom. I think it was taken a few months before it happened. It was our last picture together and my favorite. I still miss her so much and consider her my guardian angel. I know she still looks after me :)
Thanks,
Becca Knowlton

NOTE: Becca, THANKS for sending that! It's really indicative of the fun-loving girl she was. We're still hearing from her friends all the time and it's ALWAYS good to get another photo or email from someone who loved her.
Aunt Barb

A letter to Shirea from your aunt Barbie:

My Dearest Shirea,

 I am already missing you so very much…….Even though we didn’t see each other too often the past few years, I always knew this world was a better place just because you were here.

 Ever since the day you were born the colors were brighter, flowers bloomed fuller, your friends and families smiles were bigger, you were an incredible influence on all who knew you………..

 I remember all of our times together with you , your Mom, your brother and sister, and your cousins. You were always right there to encourage all of us, you were determined to keep up with your big brother Jesse no matter what he may be doing, climbing the rocks to jump in the COLD Trask River or scaling a sand wall at the beach, you were unstoppable!

 You brought that courage with you into your teen years and continued to take care of your family and watch over every single one of us. You took on a very heavy burden and now that you have gone to rest we must take what you taught us and continue to live our lives and make you proud as you smile down on us………………

 Shirea, I can’t tell you how much I miss you and love you.

 Dear Lord it hurts so bad, and I miss my sweet Shirea so much, please keep her safe and watch over her until we all meet again………..

 Rest peacefully sweet one…………………

 Aunt Barbie