Andrea Lynne “Buggy” Rodriguez passed away peacefully in the arms of her mother and stepfather at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Billings, MT on May 3rd 2016 as the result of a lifelong illness. She was 21 years old.
In the days before her passing she was fortunate to be visited by many loving family members and friends.
Andrea was born in Miles City, Montana to Ruben Rodriguez and Tera (Rodriguez) Jerhoff on September 11th 1994. She was their first daughter.
When Andrea was born, doctor’s placed her in her father’s arms, and he began to sing “You Are My Sunshine”. It was a lifelong favorite for her. She said few words over the course of her short life, but never needed to; her expressions spoke for her. Anyone who knew Andrea knew what she was thinking by the smile on her face or the knit of her brow. She loved noisy toys and bright things, especially the color purple. Much of her life she spent observing the world around her, but when she was ready to participate, she always did. Andrea was mischievous and fun loving; she was a bright spirit that drew you in and held you there.
Andrea was a fighter. Many times health professionals determined the odds were against her. Many times her family was told she would not live a full or happy life. They believed otherwise; more importantly, Andrea believed otherwise, and she proved them wrong, time and again. Her fighting spirit was an inspiration.
For the first part of her life, Andrea lived with her mom and beloved sister Michaya. The three of them were an inseparable team, dedicated to one another. Because of that love and dedication, in 2010 it became necessary for Andrea to move to the 2101 Group Home in Billings, Montana. The family in the group home immediately became part of her family. She was cared for there. She was loved there. Her group home family gave her the daily joy of acceptance and watched her grow into a lovely young woman. They were there the night she went to prom with her best friend Zack. They helped her pick out a dress and made sure her makeup and hair were perfect. They were there on the day of her high school graduation.
As Andrea’s health needs grew, she was transitioned to Rosebud Health Care in Forsyth, Montana where she was closer to her mom and stepdad Mike. Here, she was also loved and adored. Everyone at at RHCC—staff and residents alike—immediately fell in love with her. As with the group home, they became her family. The year she spent there was one of happiness and comfort.
Andrea was a member of the Special Olympics, participating in switch racing and swimming events. She loved to be outside on warm days and visit the Rims in Billings. She enjoyed her time as a member of the BTI day program where she was able to enjoy the company of many people who loved her and be part of activities with other folks with special needs. BTI was a big part of her life.
Andrea is survived by her mother Tera and stepfather Mike Jerhoff, her father Ruben and stepmother Veronica Rodriguez, her sister Michaya and brothers Christian and Alex. She is beloved by many, including grandparents, friends and family.
Our beautiful Bug will be laid to rest in the Forsyth cemetery in the company of her great-grandparents.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Monday May 9, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday May 10, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
12:45 PM
Tuesday May 10, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Monday May 9, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Tuesday May 10, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Luncheon
12:45 PM
Tuesday May 10, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Share
Ann Stuart says
Terra and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Andrea. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers and if you need anything please let us know.
Sam and Ann Stuart
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences Tera and family.
Cathy Byron says
Sending big hugs, Tera. What a role model as a caregiver you have been for everyone with eyes to see. And now we share your loss. We also share your relief that she no longer suffers. I can just see her running and leaping through those heavenly flower gardens chasing butterflies. Let me know if I can help in any way. I’m just a phone call (ranch number) away. More hugs coming to each of you.
Lynn Tompkins says
Mags and Lynn are so sorry for your loss.
Arlene Corbin says
Tera and family. I offer my deepest condolences. I am so sorry for your loss
Marcia Ketchem says
Sorry for your loss.
pooh says
I am so sorry for your loss tera. My heart goes out to you and aches for you.
Pam says
I am so sorry for your loss, Dear One. My thoughts are with you.
Dwayne Albertson says
Silence is nearer to peace than poems. I wish Bug and you peace.
Prayers
Laurie Lelm says
Tera and Mike you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Bug will be missed. Just remember she is at peace and not in pain anymore. Call me if you need anything.
Heather Hasbrook says
Sorry for your loss, prayers for peace to you and your family.
Dale and Rita Watson says
You and your family are in our prayers.
Miekel Melton says
I am very sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you and your family. Bug was an amazing gift and a joy to be around.
Heather Johnstone says
Tera,
We at the library are thinking about you and your family during this difficult time. May you find peace in knowing that she is now free from pain and will forever be smiling down on you. I have done a memorial in honor of Andrea on the seeded paper which we will plant tomorrow during the Daffodil Project event.
Connie Brown says
Tera,
I am sorry to hear of your families loss.
Theresa desmarais says
Your are in our prayers. She was a blessing to you and your family. Keep your memories close to your heart to help ease the pain. God Bless.
Russell R says
I’m so sorry for your loss, Tera. And of course we all know that she suffered horribly ,so the relief from all that pain is one positive thing, but it will never take away the hurt.
Barb and Dick Allard says
Tera,
We are so terribly sorry for your loss and you’re in our thoughts and prayers. No words can ease your pain at this time but as the days go by, little bits of Bug will creep in and make you smile. Remember the good days and rejoice at the peace she now feels.
Sharon Young says
Terra and Mike, sorry for your loss. You and yours will be in my prayers. Sharon Young
Megan says
Andrea my lil dude! The first day we met i knew i would grow close to you and love you as if you were my own. The time we spent together I never took for granted. We met many goals. To saying the word Mom(for your mom) and to clapping by yourself. To dancing to music and to laughing at silly things. Im gonna miss you. Everyday I got to spend with you made my life so fulfilling. I thank your mom for sharing you! Seeing you smile was always the highlight of my day. Im going to miss you so much! All those good times ill cherish forever! Love you my lil dude dude!
Tera Ill always be here for you. Im just a phone call or drive away! I love you!
Terri F Benoit says
Ruben and family,
My deepest condolences are with you and your family on the loss of your beloved Andrea. May God bless you and comfort you all during this trying time.
Terri Benoit
(Entergy)
Jacob says
A dear friend of mine ask me to send all ng a prayer for Andie’s mom n sister he told me some wonderful stories how tera used to talk to Andie in a language of the ancients so for him I send . blessed mother spirits of all accept this beautiful new angel into your loving arms may sh be free of all that had harmed her may you healing energies refresh purify cleanse and support tera makey and I believe new husband Mike blessed be