Heidi Ruth Luke

Heidi Ruth Luke, 45 of Navarre FL, passed away in her home January 17, 2024. The world lost a true Viking Warrior to metastatic breast cancer. She furiously fought this battle for 13 years. Her mind was not ready to go, she had things to do, but her little body had taken all it could endure from this disease. A dedicated, loving mother to 3 children we pray that she has found painless peace and is with her infant daughter Jada. Her beloved service dog, Hero, passed away December 31, 2023. He was there waiting to help her with her journey.

Born July 22, 1978 in Burlington, VT, grew up in Southern VT, and graduated high school in Brattleboro VT in the class of 1996. She then joined the Army Reserve, married, worked full time, and graduated with high honors from Greenfield Community College in Greenfield MA with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. They moved to Milton, FL in 2001. She transferred into the Air Force and last worked on base in the TACP schoolhouse as a Master Sargent. When her illness took over, she was honorably discharged and retired from her service.

One of her many goals in life was to be a mother. She and her ex-husband Peter Bristol fostered and loved 47 children through Families First Network. Her love of animals also let her to foster numerous dogs through the years as well.

She participated in as many of her children’s activities as she could. She loved the outdoors. She snow skied, hunted, jet skied, swam, and water skied. She loved her Jeep, hunting, shooting, dancing, and singing. She was always willing to try new things.

She is survived by her 3 loving and heartbroken children. Shane (Kaylynn) Bristol, US Army Paratrooper stationed in Germany. Austin Parker Bristol, senior at Navarre High School. Jenna Elizabeth Bristol Junior at Navarre High School. She is predeceased by Jenna’s twin, Jada Ingrid Bristol (3/7/07-3/8/07).

In addition, she leaves behind her loving mom Ingrid Skavnes and husband Dave (FL), dad Neil VanWyck (MA), sister Kari Ellen Litchfield (NH), sister Elizabeth Mary Hackett and husband Scott (VT). Nephew Tyler Litchfield (NH), niece Amaya Litchfield (NH) and nephew Jace Hackett (VT).  Special Tante Ellen and Uncle Richard (FL) as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. She also leaves ex husband Peter Bristol and wife Christy (FL) and ex husband Adam Luke (PA).

In Heidi’s retired years she volunteered and worked with many different organizations. The organizations she was involved with were NWF Peer Support Group, Ahero, Wrinkler’s Wish, Saving with Soul, Road Dogg Rescue, Hope Project, Heroes on the Water, Wounded Warrior Project, Healing Paws for Warriors, and Healing Tools for Warriors. She made a huge impact on so many lives and was very passionate about helping people as well as animals. Her kind soul and patience made her a perfect fit for these roles.

Heidi leaves behind a broken heart to all of the people she loved, family, special friends, school friends, work friends, services friends and people she has met. She made a difference in so many lives. Heidi was known for her generosity, infectious smile, and the original sunshine face.

Heidi will have a Military burial on Friday Feb. 2nd at 10:30am limited to immediate family. There will be a Celebration of Life also on Friday Feb. 2nd at 1:30 located at the St. Sylvester’s Church: 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563. All are welcome to join the Celebration of life.

Funeral arrangements were made by Lewis Funeral homes and Crematory.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any support to be given to the memorial page. https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/heidi-hero-scholarship.   Also, during this time, meal donations are being accepted to help the family, https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/qo1371