Cassidy Withers

She found humor in the raindrops that fell upon her head and anxiously waited for winter's arrival. Small moments like these were beautiful parts of life for Cassidy Withers. Her laughter and generous smiles were sweet. We will dearly miss Cassidy, and we will hold the memories we created with her close to our hearts.

Cassidy began her life in the year of 2008. This year proved to be economically difficult for many parts of the world. In the United States, property prices continued to fall dramatically causing homeowners and lenders hardship. The cost of living continued to rise while families continued to earn less. Thankfully, technology and entertainment created a distracting buzz with the release of the Apple ultra-thin MacBook Air notebook which was less than an inch thick. Movie lovers sought Blu-Ray for better picture quality over regular dvd's. And history was changed forever, as the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama, won the presidential election making him the first African American president. The world was certainly quite a busy place.

Closer to home, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Bryan and Kiera (Kaechele) Withers were busy preparing for their sweet baby girl's arrival. In the depths of winter, on February 26, 2008, Cassidy was welcomed into the world. Before long, Cassidy was joined by her little brother, Aaron. Together, the two of them kept their parents on their toes at all times. Thankfully, Cassidy and Aaron loved one another greatly.

Cassidy spent her childhood in Lawton, Michigan. Though she did not live her life as a typical nine-year-old girl, she certainly embraced living life to the fullest. She found immense pleasure taking hikes in the woods. She also loved swinging while the warm winds combed through her hair and playing on the slide whenever she had the opportunity.

What Cassidy lacked in verbal communication, she more than made up for in other ways. She had a way about her which communicated her likes and dislikes. Her eyes and the expressions on her face spoke just as much as any words. Her smile could light up a room, and she was always smiling and laughing at everything. She would even laugh when people were getting into trouble - especially her little brother. She had a way of getting what she wanted - and she was always certain about what she wanted.

Her inability to move as freely as others never dissuaded her from the desire to be on the move constantly. Since she could not walk, the stroller was her choice for more liberty. The water was also one of her favorite places, and using the Upsee (an apparatus that helped her stand while connected to another person) in the water was a glorious change of pace for Cassidy. Elevators were also a place she found great joy. Sometimes though, she was just as content sitting on a loved one's lap while being held. She relished the connections she had to those she cared for the most. She and Aaron had a special connection. Cassidy would keep her eye on her little brother, and he would bring her toys to play with or sit next to her while he held her hand.

Cassidy found many delights in the everyday. Whether she was picking out her next pretty outfit or dressing up like her favorite princess, she had an eye for fancy glam making her quite the Diva. Her affection for her pets was great. “Cooper,” “The Dude,” “Buzz,” and “Sky” – all dogs, and the cats "Girly" and "Sneaky" all held a special place in Cassidy's heart. Music also captured her attention, especially the Beastie Boys. One of her favorite songs was "Tequila." Like most nine-year-old girls, she had many television shows she watched over and over again. She loved her baby dolls and her Minnie and Mickey Mouse with which she slept every night faithfully (perhaps because of her memories of visiting Disney as a two-year-old). She loved to cuddle with all of her stuffed animals.

Cassidy proudly attended Bert Goens Learning Center in Lawrence where she had great teachers. After a hard day at school, she would excitedly smack her lips if she smelled her favorite meals of spaghetti and meatballs or tacos cooking. She also loved oatmeal and chocolate pudding (for which she always made room - even when she was full!).

The image of her amazing smile and beautiful, curly red hair will stay close to our hearts forever. Sadly, Cassidy passed away unexpectedly on October 7, 2017, in her home. We will fondly remember her ability to find the joys in life with great happiness. Though her time with us was short, her impression on our lives will last forever.

Family members include her parents; younger brother, Aaron Withers; paternal grandparents: Dennis and Dorothy Withers and maternal grandfather, Kim Kaechele; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Deborah Guenther.

Services will be held Wednesday 2 pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr. Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bert Goens Learning Center or the Cassidy Withers memorial fund at https://www.youcaring.com/bryanandkierawithers-975425.