It is with overwhelming sadness that we announce the passing of our daughter, Faith Danielle McCarty, age 21. Faith was called home by her Lord and Savior on Jan. 2, 2026 alongside her sister, Rachel McCarty, cousin, Katelyn Heideman and uncle, David McCarty.
Faith was born on March 19, 2004 in Richland, Wash. to Dan and Brandy Mitchell McCarty and was raised on the family farm on Buttercreek in Echo. From the very beginning, Faith brought light, energy, and joy into every space she entered. The atmosphere of any room truly changed when Faith walked in—dynamic, vibrant, and full of life.
Faith attended Echo schools from kindergarten through graduation. She was deeply involved in athletics from a young age, competing in AAU basketball alongside her cousin, Katelyn and as a member of an all-star Little League team that advanced to the regional tournament in Arizona. She was a three-sport athlete, earning varsity letters all four years in volleyball, basketball, and softball. Her hard work, remarkable instincts, and competitive drive earned her numerous awards and all-league honors in each sport.
Athletics came naturally to Faith, but what truly set her apart was not statistics or accolades—it was who she was on the court and field. A coach described her as being the type of player you would want when building a champion-caliber team. She loved competition but valued people more. She played with intensity and purpose, yet always with joy and a lighthearted spirit. Her passion drove her, but it never overshadowed her genuine love for the game or for those around her.
Faith had a rare ability to see multiple steps ahead of the moment, to coordinate the pieces, and to create opportunities, momentum, and confidence for others. Her unselfish play, constant encouragement, and deep belief in her teammates elevated entire teams without ever inhibiting them. Her impact reached far beyond her own performance.
A natural leader, Faith was encouraging yet firm, driven yet sensitive. She noticed when others were hurting and had an incredible gift for convincing people to keep going and not quit. Whether on the court, in the classroom, or in everyday life, she carried a caring heart and a steady presence that made people feel seen and valued.
Beyond athletics, Faith was active in 4-H and FFA, raising pigs and showing them at the Umatilla County Fair. She earned her FFA state degree through her pig project, farming work, and extensive community service. Working on the family farm from a young age instilled in Faith a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to doing things the right way—values that stayed with her throughout her life.
Faith graduated from Echo High School in 2022 and went on to attend Yakima Valley College, where she earned basketball scholarships and played for two years while completing her associate degree. At the time of her passing, Faith was pursuing a business degree at Oregon State University.
Basketball, volleyball, and softball were a meaningful part of Faith’s life, but her heart extended far beyond sports. She was deeply committed to her family and loved traveling, going to church, spending time with friends, having long and meaningful conversations, and making a good TikTok. Faith loved being goofy and making people laugh. She was beautiful, raw, passionate, and true to her core—never pretending to be someone she wasn’t. She had a special love for children, who were drawn to her joyful spirit, and she couldn’t wait to be called “Auntie Feefy.” Her walk with the Lord had grown especially strong in recent years, and she loved sharing what God was doing in her life with her family and friends. Faith adored animals, especially her beloved dog, Jack.
Faith is survived by her parents, Dan and Brandy McCarty of Echo; her sisters, Elizabeth McCarty Gallup and her husband Hesston of Malin, and Hannah McCarty of Echo; her grandparents, Mike and Jane McCarty of Echo and Joanne Follett of Hermiston; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and her dog, Jack.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Rick Mitchell and her uncle, Shaun Mitchell.
Though Faith’s life was far too short, her impact was immeasurable. We honor her by living with compassion, working hard, striving to be better each day, and remembering to laugh—trusting that she is in heaven now, joyful as ever, and surely making God smile.
A joint celebration of life service for Faith, Rachel, Katelyn, and David will be held on Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026 at 1 p.m. at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, Wash.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Faith’s memory may be made for future charities at Columbia Bank in Hermiston.
Please share memories of Faith with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
