Zoe Joy

As many of you already know, on Dec. 31, 2022, I lost my little sister.

Zoe Joy Stehlin was more than a blessing to this world. Being 24 years old, she was the youngest in our large and diverse family. She was the most creative, thoughtful, and genuine person I've ever met. She carried this energy with her that people couldn't help but be attracted to. A true athlete and talented artist; she made it seem like nothing was unachievable. Her dog Nelly meant the world to her. She would constantly be at the park playing fetch until her arms got tired, or until it got too dark to see. If you didn't find her at the park, she was at home working on her paintings. She sometimes struggled to put her thoughts and emotions into words. What she wasn't able to vocally express, she revealed through her artwork. Zoe had this warm authentic joy whenever working on one of her projects. She would spend hours perfecting the smallest detail because she wanted it to be exactly that, perfect. The ideas and purpose behind her art were almost always inspired by family. Very few pieces did she ever keep for herself. She intended to always gift them to family. Regardless of how many times she had to start over, or how tedious it would be, she was truly the happiest knowing she was creating something beautiful for a family member. This is why she was so determined to make it the best it could be.

My mom, dad, Zoe, and I moved out to Wyoming from Illinois at an early age. Since a child, Zoe was known for brightening everyone's life that has had the opportunity to cross paths with hers. She's an empathetic person who was always there for support, to listen, or just to be present regardless if it was family or friends. She couldn't help but spread love and light anywhere she went. You can't help but smile when you think of her big beautiful eyes or her contagious smile.

The reason for this fundraiser is to help my mom and dad out financially, as well as give Zoe the proper celebration she deserves. Zoe recently moved to Florida and that's where she passed away. My mom, dad, and I had to make an unexpected trip to Florida to go see her for the last time. Nobody is ever prepared for this type of situation to happen. For me, going to Florida to see Zoe wasn't an option, it was a must. Our family has experienced heartache, but never any that has compared to what we're feeling now.

With everything still being so fresh, we've made it back to Wyoming but reality still feels like a dream. Ultimately, that's how I've found myself here, typing out words that still seem untrue. My family is struggling with the travel funds, the viewing/cremation, and the finances to host the proper celebration of life. The goal now is to do everything in my power to give her the respect that she deserves, for the pure essence and love that she has shared with us during her short amount of time spent on this Earth.

100% of the funds will go back to my parents to help with the expenses it took for us to get to Florida, as well as Zoe's viewing. Anything left over will go towards Zoe's Celebration of Life. If you've had the honor of being a part of Zoe's life then I'm sure you understand how important it is for us to put on the perfect celebration in memory of her. My family and I appreciate everything that you can do to help. Donations, spreading the word, prayers, and overall just keeping the spark of Zoe alive. We lift each other during these hard times because that's what Zoe would do.

With love,

Justice Stehlin