Heidi Marie Hart

Heidi Marie Spaulding Hart of Rigby, Idaho returned to her Heavenly Home on her 52nd birthday, June 27, 2025. She passed away at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, Idaho after a valiant and courageous battle coping with a lingering illness. She never complained and her spirit never gave up, but ultimately her body wore out. Heidi was born in Rexburg, Idaho to Gary David Spaulding and JoAnn Nielsen Spaulding on June 27, 1973. She is the youngest of seven girls. She was always proud that she had six sisters!

When she was nine years old, she was injured in an unfortunate car accident that nearly took her life. She struggled with various health issues throughout the rest of her life, due to her injuries.

She lived in Rigby most of her life, graduating from Rigby High School in 1991, and later moved to Twin Falls to attend the College of Southern Idaho. Upon returning home, she lived and worked in Rigby and Idaho Falls.

Heidi volunteered for many years at the Jefferson County Museum and once served as the curator. She was a “people” person and loved all who came across her path, and they in turn loved her. She had such a great sense of humor and could get a smile or chuckle out of anyone with one of her jokes.

Children were drawn to her. Many nieces and nephews will miss her silliness, songs, and treats. She cherished her relationship with her granddaughter, Abigail and visited her often.

With divine help, Heidi met and fell in love with Sheldon Kelly Hart. It was love at first sight. They were married on December 12, 2009, in Rigby. He really was her “Prince Charming” and rarely left her side. They were later sealed to one another in the Idaho Falls Temple on December 17, 2014. Their love will last through all eternity. The two of them were able to go on many adventures including cruising to Hawaii, camping in Palisades at Sheldon’s family cabin, and numerous excursions with her dad where they would often hunt for huckleberries. Heidi loved being outdoors enjoying the sounds and sights of nature. Being in natural surroundings brought her so much peace. Sheldon’s encouragement and positive influence helped Heidi experience true happiness.

Heidi loved cats, especially her cat, “Smokey Joe”, collecting and cooking new recipes, crocheting, playing the piano, and the color blue. She had a gift for writing which mirrored her personality and sense of humor. A favorite hobby that she enjoyed throughout her life was bowling. Some of her favorite memories were attending family gatherings on the “dry bed” at Easter and other occasions. She loved celebrating every holiday. Christmas and 4th of July were two of her favorites.

She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her favorite callings included serving in the primary. She loved teaching and being with little children.

Heidi is survived by her husband Sheldon, her stepdaughter, Chelsea Edwards and granddaughter Abigail Edwards, her sister, Sherri Hunting (Jim, deceased), Kristy Johnson (Kirk), Karen Bowen (Eddie), Mary Ann Stanger (Kevin) and Toni Dalley (Layne), a brother-in-law, Scott Kelsey, and her in-laws, Kelly and Barbara Hart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister, Leisa Kelsey.

A viewing will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2 at Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 3 at the Rigby Stake Center located at 258 West 1st North with a viewing before the services from 9:00 to 10:30. Interment will be at the Rigby Pioneer Cemetery.