Milisa Lee Hessenthaler, age 42, died Sunday, September 24, 2017 in Billings, Montana. A much-loved wife, mother, sister, daughter, aunt and friend. She touched the lives and left a mark on everyone she came into contact with.
Milisa was born on November 14, 1974, in Powell, Wyoming to Jon and Linda Marchant and spent her childhood in Lovell, Wyoming where she graduated high school in 1993. She met and fell in love with her best friend, Steven Hessenthaler and they married in 2004. They moved to West Virginia where she felt like she had found her second home. She loved everything about West Virginia and this is where her obsession with hockey started. A bigger Pittsburgh Penguin fan, you will never find. You would rarely see her without a Penguin’s shirt, sweats, hat or socks on. They moved to Terry in January of 2012. While there, she attended and graduated from Miles Community College and worked at Stockman Bank. Milisa could light up any room she walked into and she had a contagious laugh. You couldn’t help but be naturally drawn to her. She was beautiful inside as well as outside and was always coming to the aid of others, from family members and friends, as well as the down trodden and animals. She always wanted to help. Steven and her “shadow” Milo, were her whole life. There was never a dog who was more pampered than him and we know that he will be missing his mom. Her perfect weekend was spending time with her two “boys” boating at Fort Peck, fishing on the Yellowstone River, or a few days in Cowley with her parents. Milisa also enjoyed children and although she couldn’t have children of her own, she was able to be a mother to Stevens daughter, Taeli. She loved Taeli like she was her own and enjoyed the time the spent together.
Although we will miss her, our pain can be replaced by the memories we have of her. Her silliness, her laugh, her enjoyment of life. Anywhere or any day spent with her became an irreplaceable memory. Even though we can’t see her, we know she will always be in our hearts and by our side.
Milisa was preceded in death by her uncle Rick Marchant, great aunt Dola Farnes, and her grandparents Amanda and George Johnson. She is survived by her husband Steven Hessenthaler, her step-daughter Taeli Hessenthaler, her parents Jon and Linda Marchant, mother and father-in-law Jack and Sydney Hessenthaler, grandparents David and Leta Marchant her siblings Jem (Robb) Pulver, Angie (Seb) Rodriguez, David Marchant and DJ (Denelle) Marchant, brother-in-law Kelly Hessenthaler, Sisters-in-law: Lynn (Jeff) Easum, Christy (Tony) Ellis, Cary (Jordan) Davis and Jill (Charlie) Marchant as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, and aunts.
Services will be held on Friday, September 29, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cowley LDS Church in Cowley, WY with a viewing from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. There will be a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at the Cowley LDS Church. Interment will follow in the Cowley Cemetery. All of Milisa’s friends are welcome to attend the services. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to a charity of ones choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Cowley LDS Church
52 E. Main Street
Cowley, WY 82420
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Cowley LDS Church
52 East Main Street
Cowley, WY 82420
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Thursday September 28, 2017
Cowley LDS Church
52 E. Main Street
Cowley, WY 82420
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday September 29, 2017
Cowley LDS Church
52 East Main Street
Cowley, WY 82420
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Denise Harvey says
Jon, Linda, Jem and Robb and family and all of Milisa’s family and friends,
Our hearts are breaking for all of you. Please know that our love, prayers, and thoughts are with all of you in this difficult time. We cannot even begin to know how hard this is for all of you.
Take care and May God Bless,
Denise and Jay Harvey and family
Kate Marchant says
I love you all so very much. Melissa was the truest of friends. We had some very meaningful conversations. She was kind, thoughtful, helpful, selfless, loving. I will miss her everyday. She truly was my best friend. My life is better knowing her.
Karen Beach says
Jon and Linda,
I am so sorry to hear this, it is heartbreaking. I am so glad that she was my friend growing up in our ward and in our town. She always had a light about her that made me feel so happy. I always looked forward to running into her when I was “home” in Lovell and she happened to be there at the same time. My love to you and your family.
Karen Robertson Beach
Greg marchant says
I love you guys so much and I just don’t know what I can
Say. I was allways happy to see her because she would
Allways light up my day, she would allways tell me I was her favorite uncle even though she probably said that to all
Of us. She will allways live in my heart.
Ruth Hammond says
Dear Jon & Linda & Marchant Families,
I am so sorry to hear about Melissa! My heart & prayers are with all of you at this time. Sending all my love that you’ll cherish the memories and find peace.
Maurine Hinckley-Cole says
My dear and beautiful friends,
I can’t even think of words to say. I am so sad. So sorry. So heart-broken for you. I just wish that I could wrap my arms around you and hug you.
I have to be elsewhere this week, but my heart and soul will be with you in Cowley.
My prayers are with you. And my love always has been with you. We don’t see each other often, but I cherish our friendship, and I know that your girl must have been “quite a girl.” After all, she was yours.
May God bless you.
Maurine
Shannon Laman says
Job & Linda –
My heart is broken for all of you. I have many fond memories of Milisa. Her laugh and smile were contagious. She could light up a room like no other! Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. She will truly be missed.
Shannon Fowler Laman
Duane and Sue Allred says
To the Hessenthaler and Marchant families,
We are sorry to hear of your loss, it is always a dark day when you lose someone so young.
Our thought and prayers are with you all
Annette Hardy says
Jem & Robb, I’m so sorry to see this. Prayers to your entire family.
Tashie Terry Lundberg says
I am saddened to hear the news of Milisa’s passing. She was definitely one of a kind! I loved playing sports with her and being friends! We had so many good times and laughs, and those memories will be cherished. Her smile could light up the room and her laugh was contagious! All my love to her family and friends. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Til we meet again Milisa–
Babes Fagnant says
Jon and Linda…… So sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter!!!! A parents worst nightmare!!!! May you find peace and love from Heavenly Father!!!!
brandon hansen says
holy cow jon and linda you were always there for me when i fell down i am so very sorry i love you guys lovebrandon hansen
Amy Pollock says
My heart is truly breaking for all of you! Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Chauna Bischoff says
Love and prayers for you and your families .
Lisa (Revelle) Parker says
Sending hugs and prayers to you Linda, Jon, Jem and all of Milisa’s family. I am so very sorry.
George Welch says
Losing a child is perhaps life’s greatest challenge. Losing a spouse is a close second, particularly when one was so young. Thank goodness there are two great families and a wonderful community who will wrap them in loving arms.
Mari Luna says
To my dear friends Jem and Rob, Linda and Jon and family,
Words cannot explain the sadness I am feeling for you at this time. Sending many prayers and hugs to you all as you lay your beautiful Milisa to rest. I know she touched the lives of many friends and family with her beautiful smile and laughter that will always be remembered. I’ll be there in spirit my dearest Jem. Sending much love and prayers to you all. ♥️
Kim Bischoff Rampton says
Milisa was one of those people that brightened the room simply by being in it. So many memories of her during our church outing and activities are flooding my mind. She was always laughing and smiling making her such an easy person to be comfortable around. I can’t even find the words to express how deeply sorry I am.
Ralph and Robyn Winland says
Dear Jon, Linda and families, and the Steven Hessenthaller family
Our hearts are saddened for your family in the loss of your beautiful Melisa. She was always so kind and personable when you talked to her. Such a beautiful combination of her wonderful parents. We hope the memories you have of her will help heal the loss of her. With our love and sympathy, Ralph and Robyn Winland.
Edward Willis says
Jon and Linda,
I am so sorry to hear the sad news, especially so soon after Rick’s passing. There are few words I can share, but I pray the Good Lord’s blessings to you and yours. I wish we lived closer; I miss all my Cowley family and friends.
Ed Willis
Ken Ferbrache Family says
Dearest Jon & Linda, Jem & Rob and Milisa’s family,
We didn’t know Milisa well, but wished to express or sincere love to you and your families at this time. We’re certain that she is a wonderful as you all are and pray that the Lord will bless you during this difficult time. May he bless you to find peace and joy in the days to come that the pain may soften in your hearts, but never in your memories and love for her. You’re such wonderful people and bring joy and love to the many lives you’ve touched. We’re sure, especially after reading the numerous kind words written about Milisa, that she was as sweet and touched as many lives as you all have. With our prayers and love, Ken & Ranee Ferbrache Families
Helen Kay Grant says
Jon and Linda and family, you were wonderful neighbors. Loved watching your children grow up. What a beautiful family!
My heart aches for all of you. Losing your precious child has got to be the hardest thing you’ll ever have to go through. Please know you are in Our thoughts and prayers. We love you all.
Garth Sleight says
This is such a heartbreaking blow to so many people. My heartfelt condolences go to all of Millisa’s family members and others who were closely associated with her. Her candle burned out much too soon.
Mona Broadway says
To the Marchant & Hessenthaller families: Sending our condolences for the loss of your beautiful, beloved daughter Milisa. Words cannot express how much compassion and love we feel for your family, and how grateful and blessed we are that another of your daughters is part of our family. Praying that God will hold you all close to His heart today, and that He will remind you of the hope that we have of being reunited with Milisa again in heaven.
Joyce Nelson says
The Nelson family send their love and prayers. It has been years since we saw you but you are a deeply, and lovingingly engraved in our hearts ♥️ We pray the Lords blessings and comfort will be with you during this difficult time ❣️ She will be missed and we know Deborah will be saddened by her death.
Cherie Good-Dammen says
Jon & Linda and family,
I have so many amazing memories of Milisa. She was such a fun loving and silly person. Her laugh was contagious. I have so many fond memories of she and I doing so many things together in High School. It breaks my heart beyond reason to hear of her passing at such a young age. I can’t even imagine how much this loss has impacted your family. Sending thoughts and prayers to your entire family.
Terry Willis says
Jon and Linda and family
I am so sorry to have read this terrible new on facebook. I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter, it just makes me feel so terrible about it. I wish I could write some noble thoughts to make this loss easier for you today. I know you will live with her again with all of our ancestors in heaven.
Kim Gibbs says
Milisa was a student of mine at MCC. She always had a smile on her face friendly to everyone she met, and willing to learn. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kim Gibbs says
Milisa was a student of mine at MCC. She always had a smile on her face, friendly to everyone she met, and willing to learn. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Todd Willis says
Debbie and I were shocked and saddened by the news of your daughter passing away. Words seem inadequate to express our sympathy to you and your family.
Kelly Fink Remmel says
My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Although it has been many years since I moved from Lovell, I have never forgotten my first best friend. Fly with the angels.
Tina Moody says
Steven, Jon, Linda & all family members & friends; my condolences at this time of sorrow. No words can express your loss of your beloved Milisa. God be with all of you & Bless you.
Tricia Brown Garner says
To lose such a beautiful soul is heart breaking. May the wonderful memories of Milisa give you peace and help you through this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Kate Bosworth says
I had the pleasure of working with Milisa for a short time. She left a lasting impression with everyone in our office. I feel blessed to know her. She left us much too early.
Amy Owenby says
Milisa was an amazing lady, I had the pleasure of workng with her. What a loss everyone close to her must feel. She was devoted to her husband with whom she loved deeply, spoke every day of him and her parents, and her vivacious spirit spread among those she met like wildfire! She was very generous, had a love for life and a beautiful smile that never ended. How sad for us on earth but she has spread that smile and love now in heaven.
Connie (Earley) Watts says
So very sorry to hear of this heartbreaking tragedy. May God hold you all close at this time. Prayers to all.
Lauralee Marchant says
I remember sweet Milisa from Kindergarten days, when she helped take care of Eva as a daily playmate. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jon & Linda, and all of the family. Losing Milisa is very sad and tragic, heartbreaking for sure, but as a family you will be surrounded by loving, caring people. Your friends and family will do anything to ease the pain. I send my love.
Susan (Marchant) Wilkinson says
My dear family, I am so saddened to hear this news. Your daughter was a beautiful young woman . I cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I have suffered the pain of child loss and I grieve with you in your loss. Sending love and prayers of comfort .
Elaine Lambert says
I wanted to express my heartfelt condolences to all of Milisa’s family. For right now, there’s no detour around grief, no shortcut through mourning. However, 2 Cor.4:7 says that God can give us, “… power beyond what is normal “, to go from one day to the next. This does not mean that we no longer cry, or that we forget. It means we recover. We recover because of our hope. Jesus Christ talked about our hope in John 5:28 which says, “…all those in the memorial tomb will hear his voice and come out “. Jesus was referring to the resurrection. That is our amazing hope! The Bible likens our hope to an anchor. Just like an anchor stabilizes a ship, our hope stabilizes us and keeps us from drowning in overwhelming sadness. 2 Cor.1:3 describes our Creator as, “… the God of all comfort “. One way that God comforts us is by moving people who care about us to give us words of encouragement that we need to hear. May the God of comfort be your comfort now, during this time of sorrow. For the Bible’s answers to life’s big questions please visit JW.org.