Sofie Whicker passed away Monday, November 19, at her home in Miles City, Montana. Sofie was 15-years-old and a sophomore at Custer County District High School. She was born in Shanghai, China, and adopted into her forever family when she was 21-months-old. She was the Whickers’ sixth child.
Sofie’s miraculous unification with her family came after Chinese adoption authorities began limiting adoptions to families with five or fewer children. Family, friends, senators and congressmen all united to plead with those in charge to allow Sofie to come to Montana in spite of the new rules. After an agonizing wait of more than a year and countless tears and prayers, the approval was finally granted.
Sofie was a gifted artist, a voracious reader, a beginning cellist, and a budding horsewoman. She spent several years in competitive gymnastics and learning to play the piano. She was a tumbling member of the CCDHS dance team during her freshman year of school and was a connoisseur of strange food combinations – her favorite being McDonald’s french fries dipped in ranch and then in a strawberry-banana smoothie. Sofie adored small children and was always eager to baby-sit for others, and she loved dogs and other animals nearly as much. She enjoyed scary movies, hanging out with her friends, working with “her” kids as a gymnastics coach, and creating art as gifts for others. Sofie had an infectious laugh (which often progressed to uncontrolled snorting!) and was always up for trying new things. She had a brilliant mind and aspired to be a surgeon one day.
Sofie was preceded in death by her grandmothers Connie and Patricia. She is survived by her parents, Curtis and Tana, and her siblings Etaferahu “Teffy,” Joshua (Natalie), Zoe, Ethan, Jonah, Loundia (Mackenzie) Pearson, Lily, Maizie, Thalia, Cora, Jackson, Bekele “Beck,” Zinnia, Ferris, and Charlotte.
In spite of the of the fact that God clearly had His hand in bringing Sofie and her family together, she struggled throughout her life with feeling as if she didn’t truly belong and wasn’t deserving of love from others. Although those feelings were sometimes overwhelming, she fought valiantly to overcome them and to accept the love of her family and friends. Special thanks are offered to those who worked to see the real Sofie, and to love her when she didn’t feel lovable. You know who are are.
Visitation will take place Friday, November 23 from 4:00-6:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 825 S Moorehead Avenue. A special invitation is extended to Sofie’s high school friends and acquaintances. The funeral service will take place Saturday, November 24 at 11:00 am at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.AFSP.org. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting wwww.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 23, 2018
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 24, 2018
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead
Miles City, MT
Interment
Following Services
Saturday November 24, 2018
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday November 23, 2018
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead
Miles City, MT
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday November 24, 2018
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
825 S. Moorehead
Miles City, MT
Interment
Following Services
Saturday November 24, 2018
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Share
Rachel Zimmer says
Girl your going to be missed by so many.
The Whicker family i am so so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Love all of you tons!!
Donna and Dennis Petroff says
Curtis and Tana and family, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers and thoughts for comfort and peace are with you. Donna and Dennis Petroff
Ivan and Lujean Vander Esch says
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. Many hugs sent your way.
Teauna Swanson says
Curt, Tana, and family-
I have no words that can help ease the pain you are feeling or replace the emptiness that has filled your heart and lives. I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Sophie. Just as I have prayed for her each day, I will continue to keep your family in them over the coming days and months.
In God’s Grace-
The Swanson family
Whitney Smith says
Curt, Tana and family. I am so sorry to hear about Sophie’s passing. Know that our family is praying for all of you for strength and healing. You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days moving forward.
Garth Sleight says
The Sleight family is mourning with those that are mourning. All our love to you.
John & Raelee Hollowell & family says
Curt, Tana and family…So very sorry to hear about Sophie. My heart aches for you all. We are lifting you up in prayer and know that you have a community that is willing to help with anything you all need. You are not alone. Please let us know what we can do to help. You have our prayers and love…
Clara jo says
In my thoughts and prayers !
Em Loomis says
I didn’t know Sofie very well, but every encounter I had was a pleasant one. She was always kind to me whenever we spoke. My condolences to the entire Whicker family. Her passing is felt by the entire community, and she is very missed.
Kyra says
I wish this didn’t happen, I love you all and you’re all in my heart. I’m sending my family’s prayers towards you guys.
Trish Grau says
Sophie was and is one of my favorite students. I loved her like my own. Little rebel that she was. My heart aches for all of you. My prayers are with all.
Heidi Jacobsen says
It’s so hard to even write a comment here. Just know that we love you and mourn with you. My heart is heavy, my eyes are wet, but my faith is strong. Sophie is in the arms of our loving Savior. Hugs to every one of you!
Gary and Diane Wacker says
Although we do not know you, Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Having lost a son a little over a year ago, we know what you are going through. Help each other through this difficult time. Grief never ends, but it changes–it is the price of love.
Marcy Parks says
I am so sorry to hear about Sophie! I had the pleasure of spending some time with her at a gymnastics meet in Helena a couple years ago, and she was such a sweet, talented girl! My heart goes out to all of you; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Madison Mansheim says
You were one of my greatest friends! You were such a beautiful young lady and I loved you a lot. You were always kind to me and stood up against bullying for me. You’re forever in my heart and I’ll never forget you! ❤️❤️❤️
Darlene Adams says
May your family feel the arms of our Heavenly Father and Savior around you as they are around your precious daughter. Hugs and more hugs.
Aubrey Blakely says
Whicker family I am so sorry for your loss. She was a friend of mine and she will be missed dearly. She was an amazing and energetic person and she was the sweetest girl I have ever known.
Holly Barney (Kuder at TJ's several years ago) says
Words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for your loss Curt, Tana, & family. May god bless you and keep you all. Lots of Love, Kuder.
Makenna Jacobsen says
Words cannot express the deep sorrow that I feel from the loss of Sophie… She was a beautiful girl, inside and out. She always put a smile on my face and was always so kind to me. My deepest condolences go out to your family through this very hard time. You all are in my prayers, and I’m just a text/call away if you need anything! I love you all so very much.<3
Tanna Aye says
Curt, Tana and Whicker family; my sympathy for the loss of Sofie. I remember when your family were trying to get okd for her adoption and the elation when it finally was granted. I remember you brining her into the clinic to set up visits with a phtsician. Many years have gone by but I see your family outside playing and laughing many times as I drive past your house and know of the love that lives within. My prayers and love to you. 💔💔
Brad and Heather Schmitz says
Whickers, We love you. May the Lord provide peace. All I can think of is both Grandmothers hugging Sofie and taking care of her. You’re in our prayers.
Carilee Sleight says
Dear Curt and Tana,
I admired Sofie for her physical beauty and wit. I will miss her. God chose a special family just for her. You listened, heeded His call, and tenaciously did not give up until she was yours. You embraced her and nurtured her as your very own forever and ever. She learned about God from you, and now she is with Him, safely in His eternal care. You did everything right. May God comfort and strengthen you.
TJ and Tana Kiel says
Curtis, Tana and family –
We are so sorry to hear this. You are all in our thoughts and prayers and are thinking of you all.
TJ, Tana and Sinae Kiel
Amy Tooke and family says
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Whicker family! I cannot imagine the sorrow and will be lifting you up in prayer!
June Opp says
To all the Whicker family ,even thou we did not know Sofie our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time in the lose of your daughter. May god give you a special blessing as you all grieve at this time and the days ahead.
Ruben and June Opp
Jerry and Donna says
Curt, Tana and family,
We cannot express our deep sorrow you are feeling with the loss of Sophie. Prayers and thought are with you during this difficult time. Let us know if we can be of any help.
Holman.
Chris and Janet Morris says
We are so sorry. Sofie was a perfect example of compassion for others, especially those with special needs. We love you and pray for you. May you find peace in God’s perfect plan.
Gary and Bernadette Cridland says
To the Wicker family our prayers are with you all! May you find comfort in the love of family and friends as you walk through this time of grief. 💕
Kyleigh landers says
I’m so very sorry to your family for your loss. Sofie will be missed. I will miss her infectious laugh and smile. Keeping the family in our prayers.
Warmbrod family says
Curtis, Tana and family,
We are so sorry. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers for strength and guidance. May God wrap his arms around all of you and help you heal.
Carly Roberts says
I miss you Sofie❤️❤️ I’m so glad I got to know you. I miss seeing your name pop up on my phone and reading the random stuff you would say. Your smile always made my day better and I was so jealous of how gorgeous it was. Rest In Peace Sofie I love you❤️❤️
Jessica Schmidt Bradley says
I am so sorry for your loss, may God wrap his arms around you all!
Heather Quinlan says
I am truly blessed that I got to know sofie. I am going to miss her smiling face on my bus. She had an amazing heart and will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Sharyn says
I do not know you but know what you are going through . You now belong to a club that no one wants to join. Please know that our hearts are forever with you and your angel watching and loving you from above. 🥀
Audrey Haumschild says
I’m so sorry for your loss of your sweet daughter. Suicide is so heart wrenchi and we don’t understand why. My God keep you in his loving arms . I still ask God why . Hugs and prayers are with you all. Make sure to keep a eye on all the other children. Life will be different from now on and so hard for everyone. From a Mom that knows the pain .
Bob and Elaine Barnes says
So very sorry and so very sad. We have been praying for you and all the family since we heard. I’m sure she is with her sweet grandmothers and the healing is beginning. ❤️ We send our love to you all.
Alina Cazier says
Sofie was always bubbly and one of my best friends. She slways managed to make me smile even on my darkest of days. Its hard to accept the fact shes actually gone. So many prayers to the whicker family ❤️.
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Dear Curt,Tana,and family Our deepest sympathy at your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. No words can express how terrible we feel for you all. Our hearts go out to you.
James Liles says
Dear Whicker family, Special prayers for you at this heart wrenching time. We are so sorry. Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Deana Roberts says
Dear Whicker family, Our thoughts and prayers go with you. We are so sorry for your loss of Sofie. There are no words for this pain, but lots of love and prayers.
The Roberts Family
Stan and Sharon Clelland says
I have had several of these Whicker children in my basketball program and I want Curt and Tana to know how Blessed I was to know Sofie and the family as a family as they always came to games as a family. They were very well mannered and polite and never a problem. I know your hearts are so sad now but think back how you tried to make this little girls life better in the USA, so it may have been something deeper than you could do for her. We never understand or question our Lord, but he must have needed a talented young girl and took Sofie. I pray you will get the healing hands you need to make this easier on you even though uou always wonder why? Blessings to you as parents and your family.
Kelly Janitell says
The loss of Sophie is very heart wrenching- her contagious laugh and spicy attitude will truly be missed. My heart breaks for you all, so very sorry 💔
Pamela Miller says
Sorry about the loss prayers and condolences to you and the family
Carol says
My heartfelt sympathy to your entire family. I enjoyed watching Sofie and her tumbling on the dance team. I pray God will give you strength as you move forward.
Carol Bean says
My heartfelt sympathy to your entire family. I enjoyed watching Sofie and her tumbling on the dance team. I pray God will give you strength as you move forward.
Erin says
I’m on my knees in prayer for your family. I just lost my Guangxi angel a week ago on Nov 11. She too struggled for years. May our daughters find their peace in Heaven with His grace. Know you are not alone in your grief.
. says
I’m not going to say I was the nicest to her, nor was everyone else. But I guarantee nobody wanted this. Many of us truly loved Sofie and were always infected by her laugh! I will
never forget her. I hope that family and loved ones will eventually come to terms with her death. My prayers and love go out to you.
Darbie Karch says
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Heaven gained a very special girl with many talents. Words can not express the sorrow your family is going through but know that lots of people are praying for you.
Tina Glazebrook says
Dear Tana and Curt,
I am so very sorry to hear this sad news. I can only imagine the pain that you are feeling. I remember Jay bringing me to your home when I visited over there and I remember the love and laughter coming from you all. I am so sorry for your loss of this gorgeous girl. May you be comforted by the knowledge you have of eternal families and may you be strengthened by the love of those around you. I am so very sorry…
Melissa Baird says
We are so sorry for your loss.We love you all.We will be praying for all of you
John Gorton and family says
Shocked and saddened but know the love of Christ is with you. Thoughts and prayers pouring out upon the family. God bless.
Sharin Stevens says
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Bev and pastor Jerry Collins says
Dear Curtis Tana and family, we were saddened to hear about your beloved daughter and we send our heartfelt sympathies, and may you be comforted by the knowledge that this is not the end but the beginning of her journey. May you be at peace, knowing that she is at peace. May you find comfort, love, strength, and all the things you are needing now and in the difficult days ahead by the love that is surrounding you. May God wrap His loving arms around you and may you feel His presence.
My husband Jerry has done several services for those that felt as Sofie did, and there were the words that even though hard especially when one cannot grasp all that they were struggling with,that they knew that God would be there to welcome them with open arms and loving them in ways we cannot know but have been promised. I (Bev) have a younger brother that wanted to end things a few years back at Easter and so can feel some of the pain you are going through now and in the difficult days ahead. The one thing that Sofie would want you to do, is keep on telling her story, and to reach out to those who may be heading down the same path. She knows that she has a family as well as her many friends that loved her, and is now looking down from the Heavens and saying> ” Thank you for loving me and all the wonderful things you did for me and to make me feel important.”
15 years ago she was blessed to come into a loving family, and from the sounds of what I know, that she cherished her life with you. there was much laughter, love and fun, and many memories to hold on to.
I (Bev) tried the Cello when I was her age while living in my home town Billings, but never went on due to an accident, but went to playing the flute. when it was mentioned that Sofie was an artist, I would have loved seeing some of her work. I painted a mural in my High School in Billings my Senior Year, and it took a year to paint. Mainly because I could only do it during my Art class and lunch time. These murals were dedicated to those that painted them a couple of years ago. Felt honored being picked to do one.
I grew up knowing how to ride a horse, and was glad to have seen the photo of Sofie on her horse. I am sure she was a good and accomplished rider.
God be with you and may you know that our hearts are with you. Peace I give to you and Peace I leave with you. Praying for all of you and that you are not grieving alone. will be lighting a candle for her and that the beam from that light will signify the light that is shining through her from Gods Holy light.
Kimber Bakos says
Tana and family, my heart aches for all of you! You will certainly be in my prayers.
keri and owen says
Sofie is going to be missed.my son loved working with her and her fun attitude and joking around with others. Expellically her laugh..i will always remember when owen ran out a meal to me and sofie came with him to meet me and i dissed him and sofie said,” oh your mom dissed u”.sofie was laughing so hard she ran into the door.how beautiful sofie was at fall formal..😪
Lance and Lisa Kalfell says
Curt, Tana and family
Our hearts are breaking for you. Our thoughts and many prayers are being sent your way.
Shawn, Candice, Rachel, and Ryan Kelly says
Our hearts are broken with yours. Sofie was such an awesome little lady who could make anyone smile, no matter what. That smile of hers lit up the room. Rach has so many fun memories with Sofie at the gym. Meets and practices were always so much more fun with Sofie around. She will be forever loved and never forgotten by our family. We will continue to uphold you in prayer in the days and weeks ahead. 💜
Alene Astle says
Whicker Family – Words cannot fill the emptiness your family is feeling right now. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and seek comfort from Him who can give you peace.
Sheri Russon says
Tana and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. May Sofie know how very much she is loved by your family and so many others. May you be blessed with comfort, strength, and peace.
BRYAN & SHANNON HOLMEN says
OUR PRAYERS.
Helen says
Curtis and Tana and family, I have no words to express my sadness for all of you at this exceptionally hard time in your lives. I add my thoughts and prayers to all those before me and pray Heavenly Fathers blessings of peace and comfort will be given abundenly to all of you.
Stacy & Fred Scheid says
We are so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter, keeping you and your family in thought and prayer.
The King Family says
Curtis, Tana and Whicker Family,
Our deepest condolences are with you and your family at this difficult time. We are keeping your family in our thought and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything that we can do. We love you.
Love,
Audie, Marta and Emily
McKenzie H says
Curtis and Tana and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I loved Sofie like a sister and will never forget her. It’s very hard to accept she’s gone. She brought me out of the darkest parts in my life, making me smile. We’d always do our makeup together and watch funny movies. I remember when I was drawing with her she’d always show me how to draw a hand. We always laughed at how weird the hands looked. Or how hard eyeliner was to do. Her beauty and smile just showed how radiant she was. I miss her so much. Her personality always shined through the darkest days. She would comfort me when I was sobbing my eyes out and I dearly miss her. She was the best person I’d ever met and that will never change. The Hirsch family will keep you in our prayers
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
I am so very sorry for your great loss. May you all find comfort in the many memories that cannot be taken away.
Nora Drew says
Dear Whickers….I have no words. She belongs now…Condolences from Birch and I.
Emily says
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the promise God gives us for the future, that He will soon end all reasons for distress, even sickness and death. (Revelation 21:4)
Gene & Vickie says
We are so sorry.
Jason, Michele, AshLee & Adynn Mickolio says
Our thoughts and prayers are for you theses days. We are so sorry for your loss. In time, we wish you peace. Hold on to the memories she will always be there. GOD BLESS YOU ALL
Chuckie potts says
Loved doing gymnastics with sofie She was always in the mood to talk and have fun. Sorry for your loss
Janine Yates says
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you dear friends these past few days and are especially with you today as you all bear such a heavy burden of grief and loss. Celebrating Sofie’s life will ease the sadness. Knowing our Savior’s love surpasses all and His plan provides the way for each of us to heal, gives what each of you will need to press on. I remember with fondness many lessons sitting beside Sofie at the piano. And that smile and laugh shall ever remain with me! With Love, Janine & Joe Yates and Family
Beth R Riggs says
Dear Whicker Family,
I believe that God is embracing Sofie with strong loving arms. May you find comfort and peace in God’s love.
Angie Meidinger says
Curt, Tana and family:
I was saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Angie Meidinger
Curtis & Flossie Phipps says
With deepest sympathy. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
What an amazing girl. When she came to Jordan a few weeks ago, after church so was showing us & some of the children how she could summersault. She was amazing. She would stand on her hands with her feet straight in the air & walk with her hands. All of us watching her were amazed. What wonderful memories she left with us. We had never seen anything like it.
Gayle & Don Holland says
Our sincere prayers and sympathy in the loss of your beloved Sofie. May God’s peace and comfort enfold you now and in the days to come.
Don & Gayle Holland
Kathy Cosham says
Dear Tana and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy Yew Cosham
Jean Trask Brown says
Dearest Tana -Curtis and Family,
There are no words for the loss of a child, time softens and heals slowly. Heaven has gained a sweet angel. My deepest sympathy.
Eileen Entzel says
Was so sorry to hear about Sophie The family is in our thoughts and prayers
SheriAnn Ritter-Scott says
I very sorry to hear about this sofie Wicker, I met her brefly , but , she has a wonderful personality. I was saddened to hear about this, Our prayers to the family, and our hearts go our to you,
Liz Maughan says
Although I didn’t have much opportunity to get to know Sofie, I was touched by her spirit. I remember earlier this year when Sofie and Lily came back from EFY and stayed with Teffy and I. I stayed up and visited with the girls as if they were my younger sisters, and I truly felt that sisterly connection with both of them. A huge hole will be left in our apartment as we mourn this loss, but I pray that you all know that I am here to support and comfort in any way I can. I have come to love your family so much through being Teffy’s roommate. I hope that you know that i consider you all a part of my family as well. I am sending all the love and prayers I can your way, and my hope is that comfort may be found in the wonderful Plan of Salvation and through the great atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Love you all ❤️
Belinda Hylton says
Sending my sincere condolences to your family for the death of your loved one, Sofie. Losing a child is one of the hardest things a parent will ever face in your lifetime. I know this because I lost my oldest son, Sonny Jack, with an epileptic seizure in his sleep, over 9 years ago. He was only 28 years old. My heart was so broken and words of comfort were hard to find, but the Bible helped me to cope with the pain. One such scripture is found at Isaiah 41:10, 13 where it shows the love God has for us. Verse 10 says, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.” Verse 13 continues saying, “For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, The One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.” These beautiful scriptures were a lifeline for me, and I hope they bring you a measure of comfort too. Christian hope to your family and friends during this difficult time.
Michelle Mehling says
I did not know Sophie, but was very sad to see another obituary of a young, beautiful person with their whole life ahead of them. While I hope no children (or adults) feel guilty for their entire lives for “not being all that nice to her”, as stated by ., I hope that it makes them open their eyes to see that we are all special. Open their hearts to see that we all are to be accepted for being unique individuals. I pray for the day that we all realize that those around us are all loved, special, unique, and a gift to be cherished.
God Bless you, Whicker family, and community of Miles City.
Orrin Russell says
Sophie was more than a friend to me. I felt so close to her. She will live in my heart forever. God bless the Whicker Family. I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t make your hearts stop aching. I miss Sophie so much. I think about her every day. She will not be forgotten. I wish she knew how many people actually cared about her. She was so smart and caring. She was so sweet and easy to get along with. It is never easy to lose someone you love. Especially a child. I cant imagine the pain her family must feel losing her. She will be missed by so many people.
orrin says
I am so sorry for spelling her name wrong. I just looked at that. I realized that auto correct changed it. rip sofie ❤