Heather Kay Rivas-Menendez, 46, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. She was born in Mercer County, W.Va., on October 15, 1977, to Lee Barnett Jr. and Marsha Kay “Blackie” Hazelwood Barnett, who survive.

She graduated from West Iredell High School and worked as a CNA. She loved softball, playing the trumpet and singing. Heather was a loving mother of Christian faith who tried to give her children the best. She spent much time with her family, whom she loved dearly. She also loved cooking, dancing, hanging out and making new friends. She was loved by many.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Lee Barnett III (“Jr”) as well as fraternal grandparents, Bill and Vernie Kerr, and paternal grandparents, Lee and Madeline Barnett. She was also preceded by a host of aunts and uncles.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by two sons, Jonathon (Kennedy) Barnett and Gabriel Lester; a daughter, Mya Lucille Lester; a sister, Angela Barnett; and a niece.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home in Peterstown, W.Va., with burial to follow in the Bradley Cemetery in Lindside, W.Va. Serving as pallbearers will be Jonathon Barnett, Gabriel Lester, Eddie Wright, Claude “Peewee” Fletcher, Keith Fletcher, and Joey Hazelwood. The family will visit with friends in the Troutman Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, August 24, from 5 until 7 p.m.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.