Megan Holt

There are times in life when tragedy strikes – with no warning, no explanation, and no mercy. Megan Holt was a charismatic young girl with what would be seemingly her whole life in front of her. She was a talented athlete with a lifelong passion for horses and an endless list of accomplishments that she earned while pursuing her passion. In the relatively short amount of time that Megan was here, she taught others so much about dedication, compassion, and hard work while touching the hearts and lives of all those within her reach through her kind and gentle spirit.

During a year in which William Jefferson Clinton was sworn in as the 42nd President, the legendary Schindler’s List was released, and Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” was the biggest hit of the year, 1993 was certainly a year to be remembered. It was also a significant year in the home of Ted “Bud” Holt and Dawne Steele as they were delighted with the birth of their daughter, Megan Berniece, on June 13th in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Megan made her arrival one week earlier than anticipated on the day of her mother’s scheduled baby shower and was born at a healthy six pounds, ten-and-a-half ounces and was 20 inches long. She was the only child in her family and had a purple birthmark known as an angel’s kiss on her nose until she was one year old. When Megan was only one-and-a-half years old she was introduced to the world of horses which began a love story of sorts in Megan’s life that would remain throughout her entire life. It was then that she got her first horse, Snickers, and some time later Flash became her first 4-H horse. Other special horses in her life were Ally, Dutchess, and her most recent horse Paintin. Megan also had a mini horse named Bitty that she loved to show and adored, who loved go fast!

Much of Megan’s time was wrapped up in her horses which is just the way she wanted it to be. She had an extensive portfolio of awards and accomplishments to show for all her hard work and dedication to her sport as well. Megan earned the Clark Grade Grand Champion Belt Buckle and Horse With The Most Heart Award belt buckles. She participated for eight years as a member of Desperado’s 4-H Club at the St. Joseph County Fair where she placed in the top 10 every year. Megan took second place at the Youth Team Penning America National Finals and was a member of the National Barrel Horses Association (NBHA). For eight years she finished in the Top Ten Gymkhana Horse at the St. Joe County Fair where she was even a two year champion, and she was also a three year State 4-H qualifier where she was the Grand Champion for two years. Megan placed in the top five for Showmanship, and was a Michigan State Fair Gold Ribbon Participant. She earned the Champion Keyhole and Speed and Action, and was even the St. Joseph County Fair Princess in 2004. On one occasion Megan had the Champion Pony, and earned numerous Champion and Reserve Champion awards. She was a member of the Kal Val Saddle Club, and also earned the title of Flying V Arena Hi-point Champion. Megan won the Reserve Bareback Medal and also the Reserve Barrel Medal as well. Additionally, she was a member of the Great Lakes Team Penning Association where she was the Open Sorting Finals winner.

As a student Megan attended Vicksburg schools starting with Indian Lake Elementary, then middle school, and she was currently in 11th grade at Vicksburg High School. As a high school student Megan enjoyed playing the bass clarinet as part of the Vicksburg High School “Big Red Machine” marching band. She was also a member of her high school’s equestrian team and served as their captain for two years as well. As a member of their team Megan even made the all district team.

There were so many ways in which Megan was such a unique girl and for which she will be forever cherished. Her favorite color was pink and she liked to wear John Deere clothing in her signature color. Megan collected Breyer model horses and she even won awards for them at the St. Joseph Fair. She additionally was a member and officer of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). Megan was nicknamed Poopstain by Grandpa Jim as a baby and later called Meggerdoodles by Shawn and her family and friends. She also enjoyed the company of her boyfriend, TJ Pool whom she had been dating for the past 11 months. The two had their own special song, Keith Urban’s “Only You Can Love Me This Way.” Megan went to her only prom last year with TJ wearing a hot pink dress of course! She also enjoyed taking trips with her parents, listening to all types of music, and eating her favorite food – mashed potatoes. Megan did some community service work and on one occasion she took her horse to Camp Courage – a camp associated with one of the local Hospice groups that is offered to children who have suffered the loss of a parent.

Megan Holt was a young girl with so much heart who could always put a smile on her face no matter what circumstances surrounded her. She was spunky and full of life each and every day. Megan was a girl with convictions and was never afraid to speak her mind when it came to matters she felt passionate about. She touched the hearts of so many others in her life just be being herself. Although her family and friends now say goodbye, they will forever hold fast to the moments they were given to share with such a special girl. Megan will be dearly missed, her life tragically ended much too soon.

Megan B. Holt, of Fulton died on Friday, November 27, 2009. Megan’s family includes her parents: Ted “Bud” Holt, of Fulton and Dawne (Steve) Steele, of Plainwell; grandparents: Jim and Laura Barga, of Leonidas; Ted Holt, Jr., of Fulton; John and Joan Steele, of Plainwell; numerous aunts and uncles and cousins. She is also survived by friends: Shawn and Ben Fritz and family, of Fulton; Annette and Sarah Blosser, Burr Oak; and best friend and boyfriend TJ Pool, of Vicksburg. She is preceded in death by her grandma: Berniece Barga. Visit with Megan’s family and friends and share light refreshments, Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (649-1697). Funeral services will be held on Thursday 2 p.m. at the Fulton Christian Church. Burial will be at the North Fulton Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to the Horse with the Most Heart Award 4-H in St. Joseph County.

The family would like to ask that family and friends come the visitation and funeral dressed casually, just as Megan knew you, and if possible wear a pink item or something John Deere, in her memory.