Lynn passed on to Heaven the evening of October 16, 2023 with her son and daughter at her side after a three and a half year valiant fight against cancer.
Lynn was known most for her genuine smile, her unforgettable laugh, and her willingness to give time to anyone who needed it. She was born in 1961 in Billings, MT, the youngest of five, to Carl and Irene Heiken, and grew up in Broadview on the family farm. Lynn went to college the first time in Miles City, MT. She then married, had two children, Beth and Jacob, and eventually moved to Hysham, MT and then Colstrip, MT where she said she found her true home.
Family was always important to Lynn. She was the most wonderful Grammy ever! Lynn made sure to know each of her five grandchildren’s interests. She spent countless hours at all kinds of events and activities to support them. Every summer The Great Grammy Adventure was a highlight for all, including Lynn. Lynn encouraged others to be involved grandparents as well, always saying the parents are busy trying to make it work, go see them and be with the kids. Lynn loved spending time with her mother and siblings, especially going on adventures. She kept in touch with all of her extended family, which is truly a great feat if you know how many people that entails.
Lynn went back to college in her forties and earned her teaching degree and then her masters in special education. This was her life’s calling. She gave each of her students and their families the belief that they were worthy, valued, and able to do great things. Working in the Colstrip school system, she formed friendships that withstood time, moving schools and towns, and all the ups and downs of life. She was forced to retire early due to her illness, but still enjoyed visiting with everyone at school even until the very last days.
Lynn is survived by her children, Beth and Ryan with their children Anna and Josie, and Jacob and Kassydi with their children Brock, Bergen, and John, all of Billings. She was part of a large, loving extended family. Memories of Lynn will be cherished by her family, her students and their families, all the kids who needed someone to believe in them, and her wonderful friends.
A rosary will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at St. Margaret Catholic Church in Colstrip, MT. A Funeral Mass will follow the rosary at 11:00 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Colstrip, MT. Private family burial to follow in Broadview on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations be given to St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, as Lynn always enjoyed decorating her church.
Service Schedule
Rosary Service
10:30 AM
Tuesday October 24, 2023
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Tuesday October 24, 2023
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Service Schedule
Rosary Service
10:30 AM
Tuesday October 24, 2023
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, Montana 59323
Funeral Mass
11:00 AM
Tuesday October 24, 2023
St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church
Colstrip, Montana 59323
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Doug and Jan Gaskill says
Lynn made this world such a better place for everyone she met. Her infectious laugh and her insatiable sense of humor made her instantly comfortable with everyone, kids and adults alike. There will never be another like her, she made such a difference in everyone’s lives. She wasc loved and endeared by so many and will be missed by every one of us. We will always carry you in our hearts, sweet lady ❤️
Sending love and comfort to her family.
Vania Biglefthand says
Lynn will be missed so much by myself and my family. She was my sons SPED teacher all through elementary school. Lynn helped him through so much. She was a special person in our lives. Always had a smile and a wonderful hug to go with it. She was always able to reach the kids, no matter how difficult it was, she made everyone feel safe and special. Prayers for comfort to her family and her former students.
Sarah Vanhemelyck says
LYNN WAS GREAT. SYMPATHY TO ALL. IT WAS A PLEASURE TO KNOW HER.
Helen, Walt, Jordan Shaw says
Words cannot explain! Thank You Lynn for everything. Lynn touched so many many lives. What a gift to anyone that met her even once.
Clyde and Gail Heiken says
Lynn was very upbeat. One of the happiest people with a positive attitude. Her happiness was contagious. She lived her life caring about people. She will be missed by all.
Tom and Kathy Wankel says
Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with all of Lynn’s family. She leaves a big void, but also leaves a legacy of positivity, kindness, and service to others.
John Holman says
I was reading through some of the posts made to Beth & Jake, looking at all the words to describe their Mom! Sweet, kind, loving, her smile, a gem, infectious laugh, blessed, sense of humor, amazing, wonderful, incredible, beautiful, special, beautiful light, shining star, energetic, faithful, caring, understanding, advocate, sincere, full of passion, upbeat, genuine, inspirational, welcoming and the list goes on. All true! I do want to mention if she got mad at you or someone, she could straighten a person out in about 30 seconds most of the time. Oh and about 98% of the time deservedly so! Reminds me so much of Ann! I will always be indebted to Lynn for accompanying Ann and me to our trip to Denver before Ann’s passing. She exemplified all those words to describe her. I’m forever grateful for the strength, laughter and faith she increasingly inspired into us. Love you Lynn, what a awesome sister-in-law! May you, Ann and your Dad have wonderful conversations and competing to get words in edgewise! 😇
Kacey Morgan says
Our family sends all of our love during this time of grieving. Montana and I enjoyed so many summer-camp memories with her over the last years and I always enjoyed talking “school”. We will miss her terribly.
Sally Flowers says
I am so sorry to hear of Lynn’s passing. I knew her since 1971 when her big sister Ann and I were randomly assigned to be dorm mates at then EMC in Billings. When Ann and I later rented an apartment together, Lynn would come to stay with us and quickly became the little sister I never had. I adored her friendly positivity and thoughtfulness even as a young girl. I am so glad I was able to see her and have a good catch-up at Ann’s funeral. She and Ann were so similar. My condolences to all the family. We were all so fortunate to know Lynn.
Debbie Skiles says
To Beth and Jake and all of Lynn’s family,
It was such heartbreaking news to hear of Lynn’s passing. Lynn was a very loving and kind friend. I will miss her sense of humor, her smile, her laughter and our visits/.Lynn will be missed. Love, Hugs and Prayers!
Timothy Cook says
What a truly amazing teacher this woman was. She believed in my daughter when others did not. Her encouragement and help made it possible for my daughter to go on to college and succeed. I will always be thankful for all that she did for my daughter. She has gone on her next journey way too soon but she leaves behind a legacy that is unmatched.
Marie Kluver says
It was always a pleasure to see Lynn when I was subbing. She always met you with a smile and a greeting. God Bless You and Your Family.
Jackson Craig says
To Beth and Jake, and all of Lynn’s Family,
Lynn is wonderful lady to the extreme with her love of her family, her students and her community of friends that has touched so many lives. These precious moments and memories you have of Lynn is always a treasure to reflect on at this time present, but beyond and ahead these moments will be very special enrichment and joy to continue honor and celebrate her wonderful life, her thoughts, her teachings and her blessings to each one of you forward. God Bless You and Your family as the hugs of hope, love and encouragement as given freely daily. As the Foot prints in the sand as walking is occurring, but mostly being carried at times as someone else is doing the walking with and for us.
Roxie Wilson says
So sorry for your loss. Lynn was a joy to work with at FBMS and an amazing friend, advocate for both the staff and most important her students. We had a common interest and that was Native American Beading. I would call her and ask questions and she would call or text me and ask questions. She also was a great negotiator for our Union and my last years of teaching I was able to see her in action. I would describe it as tough but reasonable. The last time we talked she told me how much she loved spending time with her family and the joy she and I felt about being grandparents. God Bless and I will keep you all in my prayers. She was a beautiful person inside and out.