Ava Kane remembered: ‘Her story isn’t finished’

GRINNELL — Poweshiek County Fair attendees, both young and old, stood in silence, heads bowed, hats over hearts to reflect on a young 4-Her who left this earth too soon.

Ava Marie Kane, 11, who passed away April 7 following open heart surgery and related health issues, was remembered by her club with a moment of silence.

The event was held Friday, July 18 in the horse arena.

Ava’s parents, Jeramie and April Kane, were presented with a 4-H Flag by the Madison Moovers 4-H Club in honor of Ava.

The club also donated a new trail bridge in memory of Ava. The trail bridge will remain at the fairgrounds to be used at horse events and future fairs.

“Ava Kane brought heart, passion, and spirit to our 4-H family, and her presence is deeply missed,” said Danielle Kaisand. “We also want to recognize those whose love and support helped shape Ava’s kind, compassionate and caring spirit. April and Jeramie, your strength, encouragement, and commitment have been a light to this community. This dedication stands as a symbol of Ava’s impact on those whose lives she touched, and of your enduring role in our 4-H family. May it serve as a reminder that Ava’s legacy continues to grow in each of us. Our continued thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Thank you.”

Inside one of the fairground’s horse barns was a decorated stall in honor of Ava. It featured her horse saddle and tack. On the back of the horse stall was a blanket with a photo of her horse, Gimli, standing in the barn.

The front of the stall was Ava’s photo, a set of wings with her name on it and a place for 4-Hers and others to leave notes and a story about Ava’s short life.

At the bottom of the memorial were the words, “Her story isn’t finished …”

Ava’s parents said following the event that Ava started with the Madison Moovers 4-H Club in fourth grade, and from the beginning, she knew she wanted to show horses. Despite upcoming surgeries in the fall and spring of her fifth grade year, Ava was determined to make it work.

Ava's tack was laid to rest, but her spirit rode off into the sunset after her April surgery.

“The kindness of the 4-H community has been a comfort to us,” said Ava’s parents. “They decorated a horse stall in her honor, held a moment of silence before the horse games, presented us with a 4-H flag and built a bridge with a memorial plaque. These thoughtful gestures have touched our hearts deeply, and we're grateful for the love and support of Ava's 4-H family.”

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Diagnosed at birth with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, Ava had only half of a functioning heart. This reality meant a life filled with open-heart surgeries, numerous appointments with cardiologists and pulmonologists, and a heightened need to be cautious about germs, especially during cold and flu season.

Following are words shared about Ava posted on her horse stall at the fairgrounds.

“What truly set Ava apart was her immense spirit and devotion for advocacy. She took pride in sharing her story with anyone who would listen, even a stranger, welcoming anyone into her life. Whether it was speaking in front of her friends and classmates at BGM Elementary School or at the American Heart Association’s Iowa Chapter Kid’s Heart Challenge or participating in the Heart Heroes Heart Run/Walk, Ava touched many hearts. She inspired others with her resilience and her genuine love for life and deep desire to find a cure for children like herself. It fueled her mission.

“Everywhere she went, Ava spread her story and her radiant smile, leaving a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. She reminded us all of the importance of hope, compassion and the strength we can find in our shared struggles.

“Ava’s heart was brimming with a love for advocacy, but her true passion was always rooted in her dreams of horses. She often found herself daydreaming about her cherished horse, Gimli and all the exciting adventures they would embark on together. The thought of becoming an English rider, especially in show jumping, filled her with delight, especially since Gimli was perfectly trained for it. Just imaging the thrill of soaring over jumps with him sparked a sense of excitement that was hard to contain.

“Ava’s connection to the world around her was one of warmth and empathy. She believed in the power of kindness, forgiveness and acceptance, which she practiced daily in her life.

“Her genuine spirit and unwavering enthusiasm inspired everyone who crossed her path, reminding us all of the importance of pursuing our passions and seeking joy in each moment. Ava’s dreams and love for life were contagious, encouraging others to follow their own heart with courage and bliss.”

“My favorite Ava Memory was when we were making records for our county 4-H booth,” said Shelby Fleming, secretary of the Madison Moovers. “Ava loved highland cows. Her mom painted one, and Ava made hers to look like her mom’s sunset/highland cow picture.”

“She has the soul of a wild horse — free, strong and full of grace. Her love for horses was more than a passion; it was a reflection of her beautiful spirit. Heaven gamed a cowgirl, and somewhere in the sky, she’s riding fast and free. She will forever be missed and remembered with every hoofbeat,” said Sarah Kloppenburg, a Madison Moovers 4-H Club leader.

“She was loved by so many of us in our 4-H Club, group and community,” said Becki Williams, a club leader. “Ava touched so many lives and we will always remember her and will continue on in her honor.”