Levi Edden

Levi Marshall Edden died November 21, 2024, at Village Health Care center. This lovely gentle, brown-eyed soul was born in Missoula, MT on October 18, 1986. Levi was born with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS – a severe form of childhood epilepsy) and Visual Impairment. His brain and body were ravaged with seizures his entire life until it finally gave out. Levi, however, never gave up and fully lived all his nine lives possible.

We challenge people to find someone who loves Cheetos and jingling a string of keys more than this guy! He dearly loved Junior Mints, Cheetos, riding cable cars across the Clark Fork River, swinging, cartoons, watching ducks and birds in flight, and developed a liking to Dave Matthews Band and Pearl Jam later in life. Red was his absolute favorite color but orange for the Frenchtown Broncs and Denver Broncos was a close second. And to our delight, Levi was a blue-ribbon winner in the Special Olympics softball throw.

Levi was a child raised by a village! He was raised by his mom Anna and Brian Edden and sister Jenna until he was 4 years old. Then he was raised by foster parents Mina and Ray Airhart, and the best years of his life were with his dear foster family Kelly and Duane Johnson, and foster siblings Travis, Nicole, and Shelley Johnson. He was supported by several services: Missoula County Public Schools, Lakeside Public School, Frenchtown School district, The Child Development Center, Special Olympics, MT Developmental Services Corp, Developmental Disability Program. He was cared for by many medical professionals from nutritionists to neurologists, to OT’s, PT’s, from ophthalmologists to, CNA’s, hab aides, respite providers, and volunteers to name just a few. He lived with foster families until he was 17 ½ years old, when it became difficult to keep him safe from falls at home and in public. At that time it was decided that he needed more care and the Curtis St. Group Home would be a good placement. Then later, it was decided that the Kent St. Group Home would be a better fit. His final years were spent at the Village Heath Care center.

Levi is survived by his mother, Anna VanOstrand; father, Brian Edden; sister, Jenna O’Brien; foster mother, Kelly Johnson; guardian, Jami Romney FitzGerald, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Roy VanOstrand, Stella VanOstrand, and Helen Edden. Many people will miss Levi but no one more than his roommate and best friend Kurt Rimmel.

Levi died during Thanksgiving, a no better time to remind us all to be thankful and grateful for what we were taught and learned from him. Be grateful to have a quiet mind, a strong body, free agency and choices. We are grateful to those who recognize education, healthcare, and safety as fundamental human rights - not privileges - and work tirelessly to ensure they are accessible to all. We are grateful to all who possess great power, wealth, and autonomy, and leverage these resources to improve the lives of others, particularly those who are most vulnerable. We are thankful for all the people who thought Levi Marshall Edden’s life mattered.

Levi’s legacy is beautiful and ironic. Although his eyes did not work well for him at times, his corneas were donated, and they have brought hope, healing, and vision to two other people of this world. Levi reminded others of the importance of helping others, and may his life and legacy encourage us to live with selfless love and peace.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Foundation https://www.lgsfoundation.org/, 6030 Santo Rd., Suite 1, Unit 420878, San Diego, CA 92142, (718)374-3800 or the Village Heath Care fund for staff experiencing hard times or unexpected costs. They cared for Levi because they cared, not because it made them wealthy. The Village Health & Rehab; Attn: Dee Strauss, Director; 2651 South Avenue West, Missoula, MT 59804; (406) 728-9162.

Levi was cherished and loved by many. All are welcome to join us at his service, to share stories and celebrate his life.