Sydney Ann Hedges, age 17, made her journey home March 20, 2017. After a long courageous 6 year battle with brain cancer, Sydney passed from this world, in her home, surrounded by family and friends. Sydney was born on December 1, 1999, in Billings, Montana to Dan and Angie Hedges and brother, Nathan. Sydney lived the first 7 years of her life in Carbon County, where she was blessed with many friends and happy memories. When Sydney turned 8 she moved to Colstrip, Montana, and continued to live a happy life. At the age of 11 Sydney was diagnosed with brain cancer, this devastating disease took so much away from Sydney, but she never let it get her down, she fought the good fight and continued to bless all of those that knew her.
Sydney left an influence on immeasurable amounts of people. She met the challenges and tough times head on never wavering from her path. She gave her all in everything she did and in doing so proved that a little girl from a little town can do monumental things with hard work and kindness. Throughout the fight for her life against the cancer beast, she would say “Find the positive in each day” she would get up and push through the sickness and pain to find a way to help others.
Sydney is preceded in death by her beloved Uncle Brian and her great grandfather Edgar Fisher.
Sydney is survived by her parents, Dan and Angie; big brother, Nathan; Great Grandmother, Doris Fisher; grandparents: Ed and Malea Richards and Bernard and Betty Hedges; her aunts and uncles: Calvin (Brandy) Richards, Bonnie (Moody) Lusby, Joe Hedges, Pauline Hedges, Connie (Sam) Silverman, Kathy (Doug) Quast, Jody (Dan) Alar, Patrick (Kirstina) Hedges, Patricia (Alan) Bross, Trina Hedges, Magen Richards, her “partial” Uncle Erik Konkel, and her adopted Uncle Rob Mclean and family; numerous cousins and friends who love her dearly; and her beloved dog Buster.
It was Sydney’s wish to have a nondenominational service that people of all beliefs could attend. A viewing open to friends and family will be held Friday, March 24 from 4 to 6 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Colstrip, Montana. A celebration of Sydney’s life will be held on Saturday March 25, at 11 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Colstrip. The family would like to thank the church for allowing them to hold the service in their facility.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brent’s Place in Aurora, Colorado; Erin’s Hope in Miles City, Montana; Cassie’s Gifts of Love in Billings, Montana; or a childhood cancer organization of your choice in honor of Sydney.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday March 24, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
115 Cherry St.
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday March 25, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
115 Cherry St.
Colstrip, MT 59323
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Friday March 24, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
115 Cherry St.
Colstrip, MT 59323
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Saturday March 25, 2017
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
115 Cherry St.
Colstrip, MT 59323
Erik & Chrissy says
Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.
Erik & Chrissy McDougall
Nancy Pasha says
I am so very sorry for your loss. Syd touched the lives of so many people and what an example she was for all her friends around her. God truly has gained a wonderful angel. May God hold you in his arms and give you strength. We all loved Syd so much
Nancy Pasha
Alaina Buffalo Spirit says
Although I don’t know you, but I can totally relate to your loss, I lost my only son John S. Kalama when he was only 31 yrs old and is an Alumni of CHS! God Bless You & hold your in comfort~
Jeff and Linda Hamilton says
Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. Prayers for the family.
Paula Peplow says
Donnie and Paula Peplow
Thinking of you today and may the memories shared with Sydney bless you always.
Porter & Ann Knows His Gun & Family says
Deepest Condolences from my family to yours Ms. Sydney. Sorry we didn’t know you personally but our prayers were with you. May you Rest in Peace, our thoughts & prayers with the family & community.
Donna and Lawrence McCulloch says
May God grant you comfort at this sad time. Sydney was a very special girl who taught us all how to live , she touched so many in her short time here on earth, now she is flying free, without pain and watching over you all. Rest in peace sweet girl.
Andrita Harris says
Dan & Angie Hedges and Family
I am sorry for your loss. My Deepest sympathy to your family. Sydney was a firecracker when she was born.
Sydney will always will be with you, watching out for you. God Bless.. Sydney is free now.
Jeannette Barreto says
Angie, Dan and Nate- my thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Syd brought our town together and taught us to look at the world in a positive manner and to help others before yourself. She will be missed but never forgotten.
John, Wendy, Travis, Brandon, and Luke Smith says
We are so very sorry for your loss and heartache. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Gina Bransteter says
Angie, Dan and Nate- Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Blessings and love to your entire family
~ Lee and Gina Bransteter ?
Jody, Dan, Mason & Shay says
Danny, Angie and Nathan-
Syd is our hero. She lived her life with grace, strength and courage. She taught us how to live better. We will honor her always and remember to find the positive in each day. We love sweet Syd. Our prayers are heavy for you all….
Lu Shomate & Dave Hensel says
Angie, Dan and Nathan –
Sydney was so much bigger than this life. Sydney gave a piece of herself to so many. Sydney was a blessing to all. Syd will always be honored and remembered for her strength, her love, and her extreme kindness as she fought valiantly to get well. We lift her family and friends in a blanket of love and comfort. Sweet Sydney you will be missed.
Tara, Pat, Christy, and Colton Derenburger says
Angie, Dan, and Nathan-
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Syd was a joy and blessing to be around. Remember the good times. We will always remember her compassion and brave spirit. Prayers to all of you.
Jody Burman says
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to your family. Thank you for sharing Sydney with us, she will continue to be an inspiration to so many with her shining personality and strength of character. Hold tight to all the wonderful memories you shared and hopefully they can ease a bit of your pain during this difficult journey.
Dade, Jaylene, Alex, Perry, & Jake Allison says
I imagine just about every goat in heaven is rounded up by now………..they will never find a better keeper. You will be missed dearly Syd. Much love to all your family and friends.
Christina Walsh says
I am so very sorry. She fought so hard with so much dignity and strength. Sending love to all of you.
Christina Walsh
Mark Ator says
I want to pass along condolences to the Hedges family from the Ator family. The toughness, resiliency, love, and dignity that Syd and her family showed through her battle with cancer were an inspiration for all of us. You were amazing and will be example for a long time to come.
Mark, Mindy, Mya, and Ty as well the “Medicine Lake Ators”
Lynn Wilkins says
Dear Angie, Dan, and Nate,
Your sweet girl will forever be one of my heros. She taught our whole community about caring for others, sharing our gifts, and courage. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Lynn
Susan Stabelfeldt says
Jeff and I send our condolences to Sydney’s family. You will be in our prayers.
Susan Stabelfeldt
Jeff Sorensen
Greg and Mikey Rauschendorfer says
There are no words to say at this time of loss. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with You All now and days to come.
Margaret and Bruce Knutson says
May GOD smile down on our little town and bless us all for having Syd in our lives. She was an inspiration to us all and may the memories help her family through this difficult time for Syd is on to new adventures and free. Our town needed her as much as she needed us and we all benefited. Prayers to the Hedges family.
Sheri & Don Seal says
I don’t have the words to tell you how truly sorry I am for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. I asked Skyler to look out for Sydney. Hugs to all of you.
Jill Myers says
When Sydney was a student at PBES I always admired her gorgeous , soulful eyes that exuded such warmth. I thought that one day she might become a model because she carried herself so well and had such a uniquely beautiful look. Little did I know then that she would indeed become a model… No, not the fashion model I had envisioned, but instead an amazing role model. Syd set such a good example and demonstrated so many admirable qualities. Her thoughtfulness, kindness, positive outlook, strength, and determination are a legacy and a great example for others to attempt to emulate. She was a wonderful blessing to many.
Katherine Hedges says
Hello my beautiful sweet pea, almost every time I wrote to you on caring bridge, I always called you that, my sweet pea. I actually can’t bring myself to make this last journal entry……… you moved mountains. You could walk into a room and say nothing and you’d feel your love. The path that was thrown upon you was not easy and the road was full of thorns and huge pot holes. But through that You still taught, beauty, grace, kindness, love, compassion and purpose. For someone so young to have done all of that is beyond amazing, I can only hope to accomplish some of that. My beautiful sweet pea I will miss seeing you terribly and seeing all the good you would have done in our world. You leave us looking to be better people and to stop and “find the good in today” for tomorrow is not promised and life goes so fast it will leave us breathless. Rest In Peace my beautiful sweet pea! Final entry……
Bo & Gary Lyon says
We are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for all of Sydney’s family and friends. There are no words that can take away the pain from the loss of this beautiful young lady. Just know she was loved and you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love & hugs, Bo & Gary
Lisa Nolte says
Even though I never had the privilege of meeting Sydney, I have seen her affect on our town. My 4th grade granddaughter heard her speak and was inspired by her positive attitude. She came over to tell me about her when she got home from school. I think she will never forget the things Sydney shared with her class.
Your daughter accomplished so much more in her short lifetime than someone who lives to be 100 and doesn’t care to make a difference. My prayers and heart are with you all. Phil. 1:23
Lisa Nolte
Sharla Sackman says
Angie, Dan, Nathan and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss of Sydney. I can’t begin to imagine the heartbreak. Know that thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family.
Sharla (Nielsen) Sackman
Joe and Bev Murnion says
Our deepest sympathy to each of you So very sad There is nothing worse than the loss of a child Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you
Lynette Nealy says
Dan & Angie – I too never got to meet Sydney in person but the wonderful memories that everyone is sharing show what a great person she was and what awesome parents you both are. I can’t even imagine your pain, may you find strength in her memories. If you need anything please let me know. Lynette Nealy
Kara Granlund says
The picture of Sydney in those boxing gloves makes me smile. What a fighter, and what a loss. God bless and keep you.
Buggs and Loni Hartman says
What a beautiful photo tribute to Sydney. There absolutely are no words to tell you how sorry we are for the loss of such a beautiful young lady. She definitely left a huge legacy on this earth that you will always be so proud of. She lived her life a fighter with Grace and Dignity. Heaven gained a BEAUTIFUL ANGEL. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless You All. Buggs and Loni Hartman
Dinny and Cindy Bennett says
Angie, Dan, Nathan and the entire family. Our hearts go out to you during this time. Sydney is a reflection of you as you all showed love and faith during this time. Sydney touched many lives and her memory will last as well.
God Bless.
Dinny, Cindy, Blake, Judd, Reagan and Max
Shelly Schnitzmeier, Vicki Anderson and Jennifer Anderson says
Dan, Angie and Nathan: Sorry is just not enough to express how we feel for your wonderful family and your loss of this sweet girl.
Sandy Smith says
So sorry for your loss. I know she fought the good fight. I so admire her courage. Thinking of all of you today. RIP Sydney
Beth Farr says
I am so sorry for your loss. May God be with you and comfort you through this time..
Laurie & Bill Neumiller says
Dear Angie, Dan, and Nathan – Sydney allowed all of us to be on this journey with her and in the process, she blessed us. She taught us to reach out to others as she always did…to be kind…to be brave..to appreciate each day and find the good in it. She is an inspiration to so many…and so is your family. Above everything, she was your little girl and I cannot find the words to truly express my sympathy to all of you. Please know that we love you and pray for your comfort in the days to come. God bless you dear friends.
Patricia Kroll says
Dan, Angie and families,
Our hearts, our prayers and our deepest sympathy go out to all of you at this most difficult time.
God Bless and keep you all.
Leonard and Pat Kroll
Dawn Hagan says
Angie & family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless You & Comfort you during this difficult time.
Love, & God Bless You,
Dawn (Goodman) Fjell- Hagan & family
The Kindred Family says
We send our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to your family for your loss. There is no way that words can take away the deep pain of losing someone dear but may God’s words of daily support (Ps.34:18) help you to cope with your loss of Sydney. She touched the lives of others and will always be fondly thought of.