Heather René McNiel

On Tuesday, June 25, 2025, Heather René McNiel passed away after a 16-year battle with cancer, at the age of 47. Heather was a loving wife and mother of three children.

Heather was born on January 24, 1978, in Richmond, VA to Robert and Terry (Lee) Thrasher. Heather received an associate’s degree from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales in 1999. Heather married Eugene Warren McNiel on September 15, 2001, in Albuquerque, NM. Heather was dedicated to raising their two daughters, Isabelle and Kayla, and son Ayden. After college she wanted to be a teacher but realized she liked administration more and worked as an office manager at Groundskeeper for a few years. Heather had a passion for drawing and doing crafts with her children. Heather also had a passion for clothes, shoes and purses. She used to do this fun thing with the kids where she would put her front teeth out and act like a rabbit. Heather’s favorite author was Terry Brooks, she loved to read fantasy or Syfy books.

Heather is survived by husband, Eugene, their three children, Isabelle, Kayla and Ayden, her mother Terry Lee Grier, step-father James (Jim) Grier, half-sister Robynn Briggs Stell, half-brother Jeff Thrasher, step-brother Sam Ocho, grandmother Betty (Lee) Garcia, step-grandfather Larry Garica, uncle Donald Lee, aunt Lisa Lee, aunt Lynda Martinez, uncle Hubert Martinez, aunt Teresa Spaulding, great-aunt Barbara Stargardt, great-aunt Kathy Smith, mother-in-law Evelyn Curtis, brother-in-law Michael McNiel and his wife Juanita, Seventeen nephews and nieces, many cousins and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father Robert Paul Thrasher, uncle Michael Thrasher, uncle Mark Thrasher, grandfather Eugene Warren Lee, grandmother Judy Young, grandfather Ray Young, grandfather Robert Paul Thrasher, great grandparents Mary and -grandmother Inez Campbell. Forrest Slater, great-grandfather Walter S. Lee, great=great-uncle Stuart Stargardt, great-aunt Lois Tate, great-uncle Harold Tate, great-uncle Donald Smith and sister-in-law Martha McNiel.

Memorial Service will be held at Grace Church, Albuquerque NM on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.