With profound sadness, we share the passing of Katelyn Mary Heideman, 22, on Jan. 2, 2026.
Katelyn was born on Nov. 13, 2003 in Richland, Wash. to Aaron and Mary Jane Heideman. Katelyn grew up in the Hat Rock community of Hermiston. She is survived by her parents, Aaron and Mary Jane Heideman and her cherished younger sister, Ellie Jane Heideman.
Katelyn’s story was one of heart, determination, and kindness. She was a community kid in that everyone that knew her genuinely loved her for who she was and what she stood for. Her life force was immense and it profoundly touched so many people in countless possible ways.
She attended Highland Hills Elementary and Sandstone Middle School, where she was involved in student leadership and stood out on the basketball court. At Hermiston High School, Katelyn was a four-year varsity letterwinner in basketball, active in leadership, an honor student, and as a senior earned Mid-Columbia Conference all-league honors and selection to the SWX All-Star Team. That same year, she helped lead her team to the 3A state tournament in Tacoma, Wash.
In 2022, Katelyn enrolled at the University of Providence in Great Falls, Mont. on a basketball scholarship to study business. As a freshman, she represented the United States at the FISU America Games, an international collegiate basketball tournament . There she scored her first collegiate points to help Team USA capture a silver medal. During her sophomore year, she received the Champions of Character award for women’s basketball in the Frontier Conference. That season, the University of Providence women’s team won their conference, earned championship rings, and finished as national runners-up. Katelyn’s love of basketball took her far beyond the classroom. She played in Mérida, Mexico, Greece, and across the United States. For her senior year, she transferred to Eastern Oregon University, where she planned to complete her business administration degree in the spring. Katelyn earned a place on the President’s List for academic excellence throughout her time at both universities.
Beyond athletics and academics, Katelyn lived life to the fullest with joyful purpose. She loved spending time with family and friends, playing AAU and club basketball, hiking, wake surfing, travelling, and attending concerts and movies. She had a huge heart for animals and volunteered at a local animal shelter. She built a successful photography venture, capturing the beauty and spirit of the people around her. A true farm girl at heart, she spent summers working with her dad, sister, and friends. Like most farm kids, she was handling large machinery at a young age, starting on a grass seed combine and learning to operate all of the equipment necessary to make the family farm run.
Those who knew Katelyn will remember her radiant presence. That beautiful smile that could light up any room, an unmistakable laugh, a quick wit, and a willingness to be delightfully goofy if it meant lifting someone’s spirits. She was in every sense the most amazing daughter and an extraordinary sister to Ellie.
Katelyn’s faith anchored her life. She once shared Proverbs 16:9: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” She lived those words, trusting God through questions and challenges and showing up each day with positivity, humility, and determination.
A close friend and teammate described Katelyn as “our glue” and the teammate who pushed others to be their best. She was the friend who sat and truly listened on the hard days, even when things in her own life weren’t going her way. Katelyn never wavered in effort or attitude. Her resilience was remarkable and her grace under pressure came naturally. She carried herself with strength rooted in faith and in the love of her family. Every room was better when Katelyn walked into it, and every person near her felt worthy, loved, appreciated, and supported.
Katelyn’s life was a bright light. Though it was brief, it was beautiful and deeply impactful. She will be remembered with boundless love by her family, her teammates and coaches, and the many friends whose lives she lifted with her joy. In lieu of sorrow, may we honor her by carrying forward her kindness, her courage and her faith, and never forget those threes from the logo.
A celebration of life honoring Katelyn Heideman, along with Rachel McCarty, Faith McCarty, and David McCarty, will be held at the Toyota Center, 7000 W. Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick, Wash. on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m.
Donations can be made in Katelyn’s memory for future charities at Columbia Bank in Hermiston.
Please share memories of Katelyn with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
