Leah Wiley Obituary

15 years later and I can't help but wonder if things were different, what you would be up to these days. It seems like yesterday we were in the school hallways. Today I grabbed the DVD your family sent and watched it. I was taken back to memories of your presence and how you brightened this world in the short time you were here.

Love to your mother, father, sister and all those who love you. You are missed.

Leah,
Sometimes a year seems a decade, sometimes a minute. Time passes but you are thought of often. Your loss still, and always, is deeply felt.

You will be truly missed Leah Fabulous, you are the angel that you always have been. God bless.

I knew Leah for a few years. We met at ST and were in Newport Beach together for two months. She was kind, compassionate, smart, and encouraging. She pushed me in my recovery. I wish I could've done more for her...

Hi Wiley Family...

I am not sure that you will get this but I just want to say hello.

AJ Frasca

Dear Wiley family,

I am so sorry to hear about your tragic loss and I hope that God will continue to bring you laughs and joy even after a bad time like this. Although I never had the joy of getting to know let alone meet your daughter she sounds like she was a wonderfull and exciting person. Tonight and forever I will put your family and hopes for a better time in my prayers. My best wishes,

Katie Roach

Dear Wiley Family,



I am deeply saddened by the loss of Leah. She was a true friend and wonderful person. I wish I could have come home to pay my last respects however I was not afforded the opportunity to. I will always have a special place in my heart for Leah. With my deepest sympathy. Ian

Dear Russ,



We are very saddened to hear about the loss of your daughter. We pray that the Lord will continue to bring you and your family comfort. May God bless you and give you peace and strenghth.



Aspery & Guldag

Lisa Kaplanian

Dear Russ,



I was deeply sorry to learn about your unbelievable loss. I do think about you and your family and hope that you be will be able to manage this extremely difficult time together.

Dear Wiley family,



My memories go back to my days at Canon Elementary where I had both Leah and Shey in band. As was everyone else who knew Leah, I was devastated to hear of her death. My memories of teaching her to play trumpet in band at Canon Elementary always bring a smile to my face. She was sweet, talented and a real pleasure to have in class. You have my deepest sympathy....



Linda

I was the Teaching Assistant for two classes Leah took - Developmental Psychology and Statistics. No matter how much she struggled to keep on top of the material with everything else going on in her life, Leah worked hard and was willing to ask for help when she needed it - something lots of students aren't brave enough to do. I'll miss seeing her in lecture halls with her bright smile and her dog at her side.

Kelly & Family

I can't imagine how difficult a time this must be for you all. I just wanted to let you all know I have been praying for all of you and will continue to do so. Kelly, Even though I didn't meet the rest of your family, from what I have read about Leah she seems like a very wonderful person. Again I am so sorry. Please take care of yourselves.

Dear Wiley Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. I met Leah two years ago at CU and we developed a bond that words cannot express. The hours of intense conversation and laughter will never be forgotten. Leah always spoke of her family and how much she loved you. I only wish I could have met you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Wiley Family,

My deepest heartfelt condolences to you. Leah was a lovely person.

Russ, Kelly and Shey, I pray for much strength and courage during this most difficult time. Although I never met this beautiful soul, she has touched me, somehow. Remember, Leah is the Guardian Angel that will be hovering over you all, incessably. My deepest regrets.

Leah enrolled in two of my psychology courses at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Because I teach more than 700 students a semester, it’s often difficult to learn about and interact with many of the people in my classes. However, it was impossible to miss Leah’s irresistible personality and intelligence and it was a privilege working with her. She was a warm and wonderful individual who brightened the lives of so many people on campus. I can’t tell you how sad I am to learn of her passing. Please know that I’ll keep your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Russ and family -- We are very sorry to hear of your daughter's passing. May she be at peace in her new adventure of life. Please accept our deepest sympathy during this time of mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

To Leah's family,

Our deepest sympathy,

Roland & family

Kelly Russ and Shey,

the celebration was beautiful, it could not have been better. it would have been exactly what leah wanted.Shey i look forward to seeing you this summer for i know that leah and I's relationship has not yet ended, but i hope that ours will just begin. and remember i have been there and i promise it will get better even if it takes 50 years. it will get better. and don't forget she is still in your heart just in hevan too.

Russ, Kelly & Shey,

Although we did not know Leah, we watched your girls grow up in the Cheyenne Mt. schools and NCL, as did our two daughters. We know how proud you are of both of them. Our thoughts are with you all at this time.



Steve, Della, Ranny Hall and Patty Cassidy

I cannot express my sorrow for the loss of another one of my classmates and friends. Although Leah and I were not the closest of friends, I still considered her my friend. I think that everyone that met her would say the same thing. She was an outstanding person with the biggest heart. I'll miss her. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of her friends and family.

Dear Russ, Kelly, and Leah,

The celebration of Leah's life was beautiful. Thank you for sharing the memories of your daughter with us. I know you will cherish them forever. Susan and I want to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of Leah. We are thinking of you. Sincerely, Jerry and Suan Retherford

Dear Wiley Family,



I was teaching Leah this semester at CU. She stood out in a class of 160 for her warm, open and insightful comments. Thank you for sharing her with us. I will keep you all in my prayers,

I was profoundly saddened to hear about Leah's death yesterday. I was Leah's academic advisor at CU and have been deeply touched by her life over the last two years. She was a very special soul and I will remember her forever. The world has lost a shining star. My heart goes out to your family and all who were close with her.

Dear Russ Kelly Shey & Judy,

Words can not say how saddened we are by your loss. Leah was a beautiful & a sweet girl. Our thoughts will be with you always.

Dear Russ,Kelly and Shey,

We send our deepest sympathies for the loss of your beautiful Leah. Her radiant smile and natural warmth touched everyone around her.Leah will be greatly missed by all.

Russ, Kelly & Shey,



Upon returning from out of town we learned of Leah's passing.



Since then, Claude and I have shared numerous stories about Lauren and Leah and what a beautiful, upbeat, intelligent and caring person she was. She touched the lives of so many in a dynamic and unforgettable way.



Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hold on to her beautiful memory forever.



Claude and Debbie Comito

I can't express the sorrow I feel in Leah's passing. I pray that God will comfort all who knew and loved her. She was one of the sweetest persons I've ever known. It was a joy knowing and coaching her. She always had a smile, whatever the circumstances. I'll never forget that.

I didn't know Leah, I knew of her, but didn't know her. I went to school with Shey. I am so so so sorry for the sorrow you (Shey) and your family are going through. Leah was, IS, beautiful. Her time came too early and for that I am sorry. I wish you all the best of luck in life. Shey, if you ever need to talk, my email address is below.

To the Wiley family-my deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to you in this time, Leah and i were classmates and i remember how graceful and cheerful she was. My prayers are with you, may the lord bless you all as Leah watches over you.

May God Bless and Comfort your family. I am so saddened by your loss. Tons of Prayers are sent your way.

Sincerely,

Deanne Culp

Shey Wiley and Family- We are very sorry for your loss. Leah was a very beautiful girl. Leah will always be with you in spirit. Shey, you have lost a one of a kind sister but have gained the protection and love of a guardian angel named Leah.

Russ Kelly and Shey, Gretch and myself wanted to offer our prayers and support to all of you at this time of your loss, she was a very beautiful young woman. Let us know what ever you need and we are there. LOVE GRETCH, JUDY, TAHSA

To everyone that knew Leah, She was always on top of the world and a good caring, beautiful person. She will be missed and always remembered. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends, Liz

I am very sad and sorry to hear about Leah. She was such a wonderful person and I know that will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this hard time.

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Leah's spunk and straight forwardness. She was a fun student to have in class and a good soul who had the fortune to be surrounded by caring friends and a loving family. My condolences.

After countless hours in front of a computer attempting to find the appropriate words to summarize the life of one of the most unique individuals I have encountered in the last 25 years, I still remain at a loss for words. In fact, I do not believe words could ever do justice in expressing the true beauty of Leah. I am grateful for the times I was able to share with her. I will remeber her forever as she watches over us.

Dear Russ, Kelly, and Shey-

My deepest sympathy goes out to you for your loss. We are all so fortunate for knowing and loving such a beautiful person and spirit. Leah will forever be with all of us in our hearts and in our prayers.

My love and prayers are with everyone who loved Leah, especially her family. She is one of the most amazing, strongest individuals I have ever met. She was my best friend in the world , completely irreplacable. I will miss and love her forever.

Dear Wiley Family,



My thoughts and prayers are with you now and always! Leah was the most energetic, sincere, loving person! Anyone who knew her was blessed!

Russ:



With deepest sympathies in Leah's passing. Your family is in our prayer's.



Thomas, Katherine and A.J. Russell

Baltimore, Md.

Dear Russ, Kelly and Shey,

Our warmest thoughts and prayers are with your precious family.

Love,

Laurie, Randy, Sean and Cameron

Meacham

Dear Wiley Family,

I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter, sister and friend. I can't imagine. A treasure like Leah will be greatly missed.

I always admired the way that Leah kept track of all her memories in such creative ways. I hope that those things will be comforting to you as you remember her presence. I have been and will be thinking and praying for each of you.

Alanna Engle

It breaks my heart to hear about Leah. I loved knowing her in high school through student council and soccer. She had a contagious smile and an embrace for life's good moments. My prayers are with you during this difficult time.

We were so sorry to hear of Leah's death. She was truly a beautiful, graceful gift to this world, and she will be missed by everyone who ever saw her smile. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

My deepest sympathies to the Wiley family. Leah was an amazingly wonderful person and had a heart of gold. With her warm heart and smile of course, she could pull anyone in, and I am grateful to have had her touch my life. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends in this time of grief. Leah will be greatly missed, but our wonderful memories will remain.

Leah was a beautiful person and will be sorely missed by all. "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Wiley Family,

Our deepest synpathy is extended to all of you. May you find comfort in all your beautiful memories. May God Bless all of you. Martin Drake left quite a legacy. His sister Julia was our grandmother so we feel a part of your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sharon and Marty and Jim

Dearest Russ, Kelly and Shey, We are so saddened by the loss of Leah. She was always a shining, beautiful star. Crystal had told me years ago when she first started school at Cheyenne how Leah had always gone out of her way to visit with her and make her feel welcome in the new environment. May Leah's love shine through the stars as openings to Heaven, letting us know she is with us. Kelly, you and I have always had a special bond. Please know that I am available anytime of day or night if you need to talk to someone. I will just listen with all of the love in my heart. May God Bless you all and may you find some comfort through the love of all of your dear friends and families. With our love and sympathy, Peggy, Greg and Crystal Schnurr

To the Wiley family- You are all in my prayers. Leah was a true gift to this world and one of my very first friends. She was a genuinly beautiful person and will be missed. My love to all of you.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Please let me know if I can do anything for you.

Russ, Kelly and Shey--

We can't comprehend the pain you are feeling, nor express just how much our hearts are hurting for you.



The last time we saw Leah she was sitting in the sun in Boulder, her feet were soaking in a kiddie pool while she was reading a book and petting her new puppy. She looked up at us with her big smile--a little embarrassed but very joyful.

(She made us want to kick our shoes off and join her--we wish we did.)



May the memory of her natural joy always bring a smile to your face in the years ahead.



If there is anything we can do help you and to repay the kindness you have shown to Chris over the years, please reach out to us.



Tom and Catherine Calvin

Dear Judy, Kelly, Russ and Shey:

Leah was such a lovely and beautiful young woman and we are so sorry for your loss. She will live in the hearts and memories of the many people who loved her. Our deepest Sympathies.

Salle Hill, David and Katherine Howes

Russ, Kelly, Judy and Shey:

Our deepest sympathies are with you and may God give you strength through this difficult time. Leah was a beautiful and talented young lady and will be missed by everyone who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Steve, Greg and Crystal Schnurr

Diana and Kalyn Miller

Russ and Kelly,

I am so sorry to hear of Leah's passing. My heart is with you and all of your family. I always enjoyed playing soccer with Leah, she had a wonderful spirit and heart. She will be greatly missed.

Russ,Kelly & Shey,

My heart sank when I learned of Leah's death. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I can't say I even can begin to understand your loss, but know that the wonderful memories of Leah will help you through this time.

My deepest sympathy

I am so sorry about your loss of Leah and want to send my heartfelt sympathy to your family. I had the privilege of teaching Leah in the seventh grade. She was bright, outgoing and had a terrific sense of humor. She was one of my favorite students and she will be deeply missed by all her knew her.

Dear Wiley Family,

We Never Walk Alone...

The time comes when those whom we have loved the longest and the best will travel far ahead into a place of joy and rest... We must walk a lonely path through shadows for a while without a certain sweet voice, or a familiar smile! Yet each day brings us nearer to a horizons yet unknown and even when the way is dark, we never walk alone. May memories travel with your family towards the happy destination where you will join in enternal celebration. May the the warmth of tender memories and the love of those around you bring you comfort and peace. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

Shey, If we can do anything for you or your family please let us know!!! With deepest sympathy-

Love, Trevor and Stacy

Dear Wiley Family,

I am truly sorry for your loss... Leah, as you know, was a great person, student, and friend. Even though Leah and I were never extremly close friends, I have many memories of great times we had together that I will keep with me. May all of you have the strength to overcome this difficult time. Leah will be smiling down on us and with us forever.

Russ, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I cannot imagine how you feel now but I do know that the pain subsides and the happy memories remain. You're in my heart and prayers. Love Jan

Russ and Kelly; Without a doubt the hardest thing to face is the loss of a child. My prayers are with you and your family. There are no other words.

I am so sorry for the loss of Leah. I had a great time playing soccer with her. I enjoyed her heart and enthusiasm. I will never forget her smile. To everyone who loved her, you are in my prayers.

When I saw Leah this past Christmas, she was exactly how I remembered her on the soccer field- energetic, bubbly and always smiling. Leah was such a beautiful person and her compassion and kindness left an impression on everyone she met. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

My deepest regrets, Leah was a wonderful person.

To the Wiley's



I am so sorry to learn of Leah's death. I have very special memories of a lovely girl at Canon.

Russ, Kelly & Shey: Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, seems like yesterday Leah & Shey were playing with Ashley in the back yard. God Bless you all. Bob, Sandy & Ashley

Your family is in our thoughts. May you find peace with your loss.

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Russ, Kelly and Shey,



My heary is broken. I have no words to expess the depth of my sadness. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers - and in my heart.



Tons of Love



.

Dear Kelly, Russ, and Shey,



I was extremely saddened to hear that you have lost your beautiful, beautiful Leah. Yes, she was beautiful on the outside - there is no denying that - but it was her inner beauty that we grew to love alomst immediately after she came into our lives. Looking into her eyes one could see the sweetness of her soul. She shared with us many of her amazing gifts. She was sensitive, and intellegent, and she was so much fun to be around! When she walked into our home she lit up the room! Leah also had a very refreshing way of talking with ease about her feelings. About her likes and dislikes. She loved you all so very much. She always will. Leah was wonderful to our girls, Jessica and Ava, and I thank God for bringing her into our lives for the brief time we had her.



Thank you for allowing both Shey and Leah to be a part of our lives.



What can written words do to help heel a mourning family? I dont know if anything helps ... but I hope that somewhere in this guestbook there is a note that touches your hearts and helps you realize how much Leah was loved.



She takes all of that love with her.



Sincerely and with much Love,

Ava, Jessica, Terry, and Tim Hall

The sky has a shining new star and Heaven a new angel. Our deepest sympathy for your untimely loss. May you find comfort in memories and peace as time passes. She will never be forgotten.

To all of Leah's loved ones,

Charlie, Madison and I are so very sorry for your loss. Leah was an amazing, beautiful young lady. We only wish we would have had the opportunity to know her better. She will be missed by all who knew her. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,

The Huebners

To the loved ones of Leah...

I had the pleasure of knowing Leah for about a year. We grew so close and she was taken too soon. Whenever she would share her story with others they would get teary-eyed and would immediately fall in love wiht her. I was no different! She was my sister, my confidant, and one of my closest friends. Nobody will ever forget her, her big bright eyes, her wide smile, and her warmth and compassion. I will love her always and forever and will continue to honor her on a daily basis for the rest of my life. If there is any way I can be of service, please let me know. My heart and my prayers will go out to those she left behind. Rest In Peace my Leah Fabulous!

We will keep your family in our prayers. Since God is the Heavenly Father, He understands the deep sorrow of a parent whose child has died. During your time of grief we will pray that you gain some comfort in your loss knowing that children are especially precious to God. Matthew 19:14

Dear Wiley Family,

My thoughts are with all of you during this difficult time. Leah was a wonderful gift to this world and will be truly missed by everyone who knew her.

I am so sorry for your loss. I have only seen Leah a few times since when we were young, however I always felt at ease with her like I had just talked to her the day before. My thoughts are with you all.

Dearest Russ, Kelly, and Judy,



Bob and I are devastated for you and with you -- there are simply no words...



“We move – are moved – into death in order to be discovered – to be loved into truer life by our Maker.” -Madeleine L’Engle



Leah was so beautiful. God bless you and comfort you, Dear Friends.

Our love and prayers,

Becky & Bob Nordeman

I am so sorry for the unimaginable pain and loss of your precious daughter, Leah. To each of you and all of you I wish to say that you have been in my constant thoughts and prayers. My profound sympathy, Jacque Olson - Stacey Huebner's Mom

Kelly, Russ and Shey, our thoughts are with you in this, the most difficult of times.

Russ, Kelly and Shey,

We were very sorry to hear about Leah's passing. She was such a great person. We all enjoyed watching her grow up. We are thinking of you all.

Barb and Glenn Brooke

Jess Brooke-Buskirk

We will be in prayer for your family. We are truely sorry for your loss. You will constantly be in our thoughts and hearts.

Dear Russ, Kelly & Shey, I am so sad to hear the loss of Leah. I used to babysit both of them and they were such a joy. I will always remember meeting them on a flight back to Colorado Springs becoming very good friends with both of them. Your family has always been in my thoughts and I am sorry not to have been more involved with Leah and Shey's lives. My thoughts are with you and I mourn your loss with all my heart.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this saddened time of your lives.

May God bless each of you with His comfort and strength.

Mary Smith Butler

Where do you really start with a girl like Leah. First you start with I love you. Because everyone that has ever came in contact with her has. I know I did and I always will have her in my heart. I will miss her ever so deeply, and it hurts so much to know that I won't get those random phone calls in the middle of the night just to her my sweetheart's voice. I love you Leah and miss you

My deepest sympathy to Leah's family. She will be missed.

I enjoyed getting to know Leah through NCL and our time as Debutantes. Her smile is something I will never forget. Your family is certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

Judy and I want to express our deepest sympathies to you guys on the passing of your beautiful daughter. Words of condolence help, but it will be the memories that will sustain you.....God bless...Tooth n' Judy Maestrelli

Though my heart grieves deeply for your family, and I pray that Leah is smiling down on us all from the Heaven's above! My deepest condolences, respect, admiration and love to my sister in His name.

My condolences go out to you all in this time of great sorrow. I will never forget our hours of soccer practice together and laughing late into the evening after homecoming our senior year. Leah was truely a blessed spirit and will be greatly missed.

To the Wiley family,



I was saddened to read about your daughter's death in the paper today. While I have never met Leah or your family, I was touched by how you described her. She was a beautiful young lady and I can tell how proud you are of her by what you wrote. While grief is different in each situation and for each individual, I can empathize with the gravity of her passing. Our son, Derek, passed away in December, 2005. While Leah's smile initially caught my eye, I was amazed at how much she and Derek had in common. Derek was born in 1982 and was also a senior at CU (he would have graduated this year). He was very involved in high school and loved soccer (he played on the high school team at Liberty that won state in 2001). He too was full of life and potential. Even though we miss him with every part of our soul, my wife and I are so proud to have been his parents for 21 years. I hope that in time, you too will be able to find some comfort in the fact that you were chosen by God to be the parents of someone who was obviously special.



By reading what others have written in the guest book, I can see that Leah had a positive impact on those that knew her. I wanted you to know that she also impacted a total stranger. I will be praying for your family. May God surround you with his love, mercy and grace. Trusting in God's sovereignty, I offer my sincerest condolences,

Dear Russ, Kelly and Shey,



I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I know that Leah was a GREAT person, and I am very glad that you shared her with all of us. We are better people for knowing her. We will all miss her smile, laughter and of course her compassion. My thoughts are with you in this difficult time.



Lots of love and prayers,

Ryan Cole

Dear Kelly,Russell and Shea, my daughter,Katy Benson-Graham, knew and loved Leah in the years they shared in the Cheyenne schools. She had the most wonderful sense of humor and seemed often to be the "liasion," between the well off and the less affluent kids, funny, kind, and accepting to all. We are so saddened to hear of your loss, wish your family peace, and will cherish the memories we have of the beautiful and generous person that Leah was to us.

Dear Russ, Kelly, Judy and Family ..We are so sorry to hear of your loss - please know we are thinking of you in this very difficult time... our love and prayers... Blakemore and Barb McCarty

Dearest Wileys,

There is deep,deep sadness at Canon

Elementary School. Leah touched our lives with her bubbly spirit and love of learning. Our love and deepest sympathies go out to you.

Dear Wileys, You are experiencing the unthinkable. Thoughts of you and Leah have been going through my head since learning of her passing. I am so truly sorry. I hope that beautiful memories of your beautiful daughter/sister will make you smile when your grief has subsided. May God bless you during this hard time.

Leah, There is no way for me to say goodbye to you. I'll cherish the memories I have of you and the fun times we shared, Time was way to short.. I'll never forget you and your wonderfull warm smile. You were a great freind and I will miss you always. My prayers go out to your family.



Michael Barsh

Leah was an amazing person and a friend to everyone. I remember her for being the first person to reach out to me when I moved to Colorado Springs in sixth grade. We will all miss her. I will keep you in my prayers.

Mr. & Mrs. Wiley, and Shey-

I was so sorry to learn of your loss this week.

Leah was a wonderful student and a delightful young lady to have in my first class at Canon. It was with a heavy heart that I learned of the loss of Leah to our community. As you go through the days ahead, I hope the memories you cherish and friends you love will help sustain you. Know that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (Psalms 34:18). Leah will be remembered and missed by many of us for a long time...You are in my family's thoughts and prayers.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.