Tabitha Mary Migwi, 16

On Nov. 10, 2014, Tabitha Mary Migwi, 16, “graduated from earth to heaven” as a result of a car accident. 

She was born Jan. 13, 1998, at North Valley Hospital in Whitefish. From the very beginning Tabitha brought life, light and joy to everyone touched by her life and everywhere she went. As Tabitha grew she matured into a beautiful, young woman with a flair and zest for everything life had to offer.

Tabitha enjoyed the lifestyle and activities of the Flathead Valley — skiing on Big Mountain, water skiing on Ashley Lake and hiking in Glacier National Park. 

She was a National Honor Society student at Stillwater Christian School where she excelled academically. She was in numerous school activities: the concert, chamber and women’s choir; she gave up her basketball career as a freshman to pursue drama. Tabitha played the title role in “Cinderella” and performed at the Bigfork Playhouse in “Peter Pan.” In addition, she played the saxophone and clarinet in the school band and she was an accomplished pianist. She loved art, poetry, quotes and words, and was an avid reader and writer.

Tabitha loved to travel and began as a little girl living in Papua, New Guinea for three years with her mom and missionary grandparents, had traveled to Kenya, the birthplace of her father Simon Migwi, visited the Czech Republic twice and fulfilled a dream this past summer of sightseeing through Europe, England and Scotland. She spent spring breaks and summer vacations exploring many sights and cities in the Western U.S. with her family. She had been places fossil hunting with her grandpa where few have trod.

Tabitha was a quiet, unassuming leader and was the vice president of her junior class. She was a peacemaker amongst her peers. Her friends were many, and she possessed a confidence, composure and wisdom beyond her years.

All of Tabitha’s gifts and accomplishments are a testimony to her love and dedication to her Savior Jesus Christ. She wanted to honor Him with her actions and words.

Tabitha was preceded in death by her father, Simon Migwi; and her paternal grandparents of Kenya. 

She is survived by her mom, Kristen Migwi; maternal grandparents, Don and Ruth Slabaugh, of Whitefish; uncle, Todd Slabaugh, and aunt, Jenny, of Morrisville, N.Y.; cousins, Nathaniel, Aaron, Moriah and Peter; and extended family and many, many friends.

An essay Tabitha submitted with her National Honor Society application was about growing up with a widowed mother and the education made possible to her through the generous assistance of others. Therefore a scholarship fund to Stillwater Christian School has been established as a memorial to Tabitha’s life. Checks may be made payable to Stillwater Christian School. Donations may be sent to Stillwater Christian School, 255 FFA Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901.

A memorial service will be held for Tabitha at 1 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 15, at Hope Church, 436 Birch Grove Road, Kalispell. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Austin Funeral Home.