Story Title: Our guiding Light
By: Harold & Sherry Barkdull
This story begins the summer of 1997, A Jimmy Buffet concert at Deer Creek. Sherry & I started the weekend in Indy, a cooler full and a group of great friends. From the hotel we made it to deer Creek and the Beautiful Sunny afternoon on the grass became A dark cloud filled eve as the rain began. We wondered if Jimmy would play at all. He came out on stage and the deluge started it rained so hard people were sliding in the mud down the hill we were standing on. Wet, did I mention that it was raining cats and Dogs? No one had a dry a Cigarette, let alone a dry lighter. and then out of the rain comes Amanda, we never knew she was coming to the concert but there she was, and she had dry cigarettes and a dry lighter. OMG she was our hero. We danced in the rain to for an hours. This is one of dozens of memories we have and even though we havent seen Amanda in years she will live in our memories for ever and our,
did I ever tell you about the time…….
Dr Edward P and Mrs Janice MMyers says
We are Christys and Chris parents from Searcy Ar. We only got to meet Amanda and Collin once. We have known of christys and Amandas love for each other You all have been in our prayers and in our hearts and we will keep you there. May you find peace and comfort in her precious memory. Edward and Janice
Edward P Myers says
My association with Amanda and Collen has been through my daughter Christy. They were such close friends and we would often hear Amanda/Collan stories that were so endearing to us. When Christy and Chris were married, they made the trip to Arkansas to help us celebrate the occasion. When Amanda was diagnosed, we heard about it quickly and began our prayers and petitions that if possible she be healed, if not, that God would strengthen her and the people she loved to make it through the difficult times. Now, her journey is over and we commit her to a God in whose image she was made. Her memory will live on with us; she will not be forgotten. Our life is a better life because we knew her.
Erin Baker says
My relationship with Amanda was as friend-of-a-friend. Nonetheless, Amanda always impressed me as a kind, lively, fun compatriot… no matter the occasion! Upon hearing of her illness, I began to review the times weGÇÖd had together and realized that Amanda was party to, if not the driving force in many of my adventures in the last ten years! We spent a New YearGÇÖs together singing karaokeGǪ we rocked out together at hair-metal concertsGǪ we met in cities neither of us lived in to cheer on our beloved Colts! Amanda lived fully and openly, and she was a kind, warm woman to all who met her. I feel blessed to have known her and to have felt the influence of such a free, spirited person in my life. Her time was too brief, to be certain, but her love and kindness are enduring, certainly. My blessing was to know her here. I hope my blessing will be to know her again when we meet hereafter.
My love and prayers to her family, friends, and Collan. I think of you often and pray for your healing.
Kathy Perry says
Dear Dan & Sally –
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear, sweet beautiful Amanda. We will always remember her gentle spirit and beautiful smile. Words cannot express how our hearts are breaking for both of you. We will keep you in our prayers and in our hearts.
With our deepest and heartfelt sympathy.
Kathy, Ronnie, and Chris Perry
Juanita Ingle says
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
God bless you Collan, the family and friends of Amanda.
Kenny and Mary Jo Shockley says
Dear Sally, Dan, Kim, and Family,
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Amanda. We have many fond memories of Amanda and the wonderful times we had with her and all of you at the lakes. We are thinking of you and praying for your well-being, comfort, and God’s grace to get you through these difficult times. We hope to see you Saturday.
Friends,
Kenny and Mary Jo
Yvonne Vrell Johnson says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Wade Brinkman says
Danny Phil, Kim and Sally, I am so sorry for your lost my thoughts and prayers are with you….
Chris Drake says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Sorry for your loss.
Michael Provost says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Amanda was a wonderful bright and kind person who was incredibly generous with her time and her spirit. She was a joy to be around and will be dearly missed.
Susan Winter says
I was a co-worker of Amanda’s for many years at University Loft and there are no words to describe how special she was. We all loved her so much. Collan and Isenhart family, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless You,
Susan Winter
Larry Juckett says
Amanda, you are a true gem that will shine in our hearts forever. Peace be with you, kind spirit. We are all lucky to know you. We miss you. And alas…Go Colts!
Trisha Honaker Lalancette says
There are no words that can comfort losing someone so special. I have many wonderful childhood memories of Amanda and her family. She will always be in my heart. My condolences to her loved ones.
Michelle Young says
Sally & Dan, Just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you & praying for you at this difficult time. Amanda was a very beautiful & loving person inside & out, I am fortunate to have known her and call her a friend.
Shawn Hartman says
“I got the call today, that I didn’t wanna hear…” I had the pleasure of knowing Amanda through Zak Shockley, Ryan Barker and a friend of Amanda’s, Joanna. We spent a couple of summers together and shared lots of laughs, smiles and great times. Wether at the track, a concert or just kicking back, I can’t think of a single time that I ever saw her not smiling. She was someone special who everyone enjoyed being around. I am going to crank up some Motley Crue, Poison, AC/DC and many others this day in a cool way to give her my final Salute! Thank you for some great memories, Amanda!
Dan and Nancy Trost says
We didn’t know Amanda but feel like we did because we have heard so much about her. She was a good friend to our daughter Aimee, and we know how much she’ll be remembered and missed. We can only imagine the sorrow you are feeling to lose such a wonderful daughter and loved one. We pray that you find comfort in your grief and know that although her life was cut so short, she touched Aimee’s life in such a positive way. Aimee told us once Amanda was the nicest person she knew. She sounded like a wonderful person. Our heartfelt sympathies to you Collan, and Amanda’s family.
Dan and Nancy Trost
lon w minnich says
to the family of Amanda with my deepest heartfelt sympathy. I am trulysorry, she was a wonderful person who always greeted me with a smile.my heart goes out to you. lon w. minnich
susie bryant says
so sorry. my heart aches for you all. you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Byrer says
Amanda was a very dear friend for many years. I will forever regret that we weren’t in communication during the last years of her life, but I hope that she knew that I truly loved her and missed her friendship. Be at peace, my friend. I hope to meet you again in the hereafter.
Scott Garvin says
The world is now a much sadder place. Amanda, I loved you like one of my own and will always remember and cherish your infectious laugh. I will miss you so very much! I do hope you will find a sweet repose and rest.
All my love,
Scott
Tonia Conley says
I have not seen Amanda since High School. But, she was such a beautiful and sweet person. I knew Amanda from Elementary through High School and I never saw her be mean or rude to anyone, she always had a smile on her face. I am so sorry for your loss.
Darrick and Penny Huston says
Sally and Dan are thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow. You raised a wonderful daughter.
RhondaMillhouse McNall says
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you strenght to get you by the difficult days ahead.
Julie Jones says
I was truly saddened to hear of Amanda’s passing. Collan and the Isenhart family, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.
Julie Jones
Brian May says
Isenhart family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Amanda was a great person and I am lucky to have known her.
With all our love Jannetides family says
Amanda was a great person and is now with God and we Lover her bery much
Tracy Shockley Herrera says
Meet Amanda when I think I was in the six grade. Dawn Krahulec Rost and I used to go over to stay all night at her mom Sally’s. We would go up to the store and get all of the junk food that we could find and then go to her house and stay up all night doing dances, finger nail painting and you name it. It was so much fun. We once stayed over at her grandma and grandpa’s on westler lake and slept out on the swim platform all night. It is a wonder we did not fall in the lake in the middle of the night. I remember going to her grandparents at Selma and staying over there also. We once went over to a friends on Dallas Lake and played on there band equiptment, singing and acting crazy. She went to prom with my cousin Jason one year and we also had fun. Was in Dawn’s wedding and we always had a great time. She was so sweet always had a smile on her face and ready to have a good time. I had not saw her in 10 or more years. I regret that my second husband and our daughter were unable to meet her. I am sure that they would have loved her like I did. You will be sadly missed. I have not cried this hard in a long time. Remembering all the great memories. Hope to see you in heaven AJ Amanda Jean Isenhart. Rest in peace my dear friend.
Scott Essig says
Sally, I am so very sorry for your loss. Amanda was such a wonderful person. I really enjoyed spending time with you girls before the Colts games. She certainly made the games more fun with her enthusiasm and passion for her Colts. Making us feel welcome in your game day traditions is another testament to how special she was. She will be greatly missed. You have my most sincere condolences. Scott
Tam Faux says
Dan and Sally, I am so sorry to hear about Amanda. I remember her as such a beautiful, kind, nice young lady. I just found out, or I would have been there to pay my respects. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Tam
Brenda Hollering says
My deepest sympathy goes out to Booth, Sally & Amanda’s family. She was a amazing young lady. She will be missed by all. You all are in my prayers.
Sharon Harper says
You could have never met a more beautiful, vibrant, successful and loving young lady than Amanda. I have loved her and her entire family since she was a little girl and feel fortunate to still consider myself part of their family. It was nice to see so many come to celebrate her life, and to hear the story of how her and Collan met and how instead of flowers he brought her cheddar-cheese popcorn on their first date, and to see all of the photos (especially the ones I remember so well with her big beautiful hair) and to see how no one wanted to leave Saturday. Amanda was truly loved by so many. My heart aches for her family and all those who loved her. May God send a peace that passes all understanding and help us to always remember her smile and beauty! Love, Sharon (Boyle) Harper
Beth Sweeney Sherman says
Dan & Sally,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Upon reading of Amanda’s passing the image of a little girl with tanned skin, big brown eyes the size of quarters, bouncing into the kitchen at Bill & Casey’s came to mind.
Although I have not seen Miss Amanda in a number of years she was a beautiful person inside and out back then and am sure with parents like you was still that same beautiful person.
Thinking of you!
Beth (Sweeney) Sherman
Terri TOOTS Rose says
Dan and Sally just wanted to express my sincere condolences on the death of Amanda. You are in my thoughts and prayers.She was such a beautiful and charming girl.Hang in there..an old friend,Toots
JoeCindy and Family says
Dan,Sally and Collan,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. We will always remember that little girl who was Heather’s best friend. We loved having her over to our house, she was a delight, you never knew what the two of them would come up with. She was a warm, loving, very special woman. We will all miss her very much but we will always have our memories. Collan, Heather has told us what a special person you are, we’re so glad you were in Amanda’s life and she was able to share a love of a lifetime. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Love,Joe,Cindy and Family
Kathy Carlson Culbertson says
Miss hearing Amanda and her laugh…………..