Editor’s Note: AQHA exhibitor, 15-year-old Kiley Marschand of Atlanta, Indiana passed away June 4th from a battle with leukemia. Kiley’s good friends, Kiersten Beckner and Jordan Mills asked if they could write a memorial article to honor her life. Kiersten and Kiley were known as, “PNC” or “Partners N Crime.” They were best friends for the past six years and did everything together. Beckner and Marschand had necklaces made to honor their friendship, and Kiersten says she still wears hers every day. “I know I still have my friend right above my heart,” Kiersten says. Mills and Beckner share their thoughts about their beloved friend in the touching article below.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
This is the beautiful Bible verse Kiley chose as her Confirmation verse and this was also the exact same verse her mother, Kim, chose when she got confirmed.
This is the story of 15 year-old Kiley. A spunky individual who carried an infectious smile that touched so many, and a girl who is one of the greatest blessings to walk into many people’s lives.
Kiley Marschand was born December 16th, 2000, but sadly, Kiley loped into the golden gates of Heaven on June 4th, 2016 to be with our heavenly father, after her long battle with leukemia. Kiley was diagnosed back in February 2015.
Though she knew she had a powerful disease that could end her life at any time, she still shared a bond with her sister, Emily, that is one of a kind, a relationship that many can admire and strive to have.
Kiley would want us to remember her as the girl who was always extremely outgoing and active to highlight a couple of the infinite amount of beautiful traits she carried. She brought extra excitement to our lives, keeping us on our feet and laughing hysterically sometimes to the point of a stomach ache.
Kiley should be remembered as an inspirational girl who was a loving and caring sister, daughter, and friend to everyone she met in her life.
Kiley showed her horse, Zips Last Copy {aka Opie}, who she placed third with at the Congress in Youth Western Riding, as well as a few other top ten finishes at the Congress. Kiley also nationally qualified for the AQHYA World Show, but she was never able to attend.
Kiley was a very family-oriented person. Her family always came first to her no matter the situation. “Ki” was a competitive person, striving for the best in everything she did. Regardless of whether she won or lost a class, she would always make sure to congratulate the winner. Kiley was a true sportsman and ultimate competitor.
Saying goodbye to a best friend, a sister, a daughter, a partner in crime, and a fellow horse show competitor is by far the hardest thing that has been done over these past few days throughout AQHA, AQHYA and her family.
Although this has been tough, I remind myself and others that Kiley is probably “Whipping” and “Nae Nae-ing” her way through heaven.
But watch out, she’s quite the prankster and always wants to bring the best scare out in everyone, or you may just see her decorating her horses to celebrate every holiday. We ask that you please continue to pray for those standing in her honor and especially her family: Todd, Kim, Emily, Ryan, and Holly Marschand.
“Every ride should honor Kiley and the person she was because she would do the exact thing for others.” -Glendia Beck
Kiley’s grandmother
CLICK HERE to read Kiley’s obituary.
