Heidi Joy Holcomb, 40

Heidi Joy Holcomb, 40, passed away Nov. 14 at the Alaska Regional Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska.

Heidi was born March 23, 1981, in Troy to Tim and Rebekah Schertel. Heidi grew up in Troy and Libby, and graduated from Libby High School in 1999. She attended Trinity Bible College in North Dakota and worked as a lifeguard and at the Blue Heron Inn in Yakutat, Alaska.

Heidi married Herb Holcomb on Oct. 7, 2000, and they made their home in Yakutat, where they were active in the local church as well as the logging and fishing industries. Heidi and her sister, Heather, arranged and directed the Yakutat Community Christmas Eve Program, performed each year at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall.

A devoted wife and mother — and a dearly loved daughter, sister, niece and friend — Heidi enjoyed her seven children, homeschooling, gardening and music. She was deeply respected and loved by her family and the people of Yakutat.

Heidi was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Edwin Jacobson and Rupert Schertel. She is survived by her grandmothers, Dorcas Schertel and Sharon Jacobson, and her parents, Tim and Rebekah Schertel, all of Libby; sister, Heather (Curt) Holcomb of Yakutat, Alaska; brother, Tim (Christina) Schertel of Troy; husband, Herb, and children, Caleb, Jasmine, Jade, Eleanor, Abigail, Danielle and Vivian, all of Yakutat, Alaska; and 14 nieces and nephews.

Heidi's life and legacy were celebrated at the Assembly of God Church in Yakutat, Alaska on Nov. 19, 2021.