Emma Elizabeth Klingaman

Emma entered the world with the heart and smile of a lioness. From day one, she shaped her world, creating by eighteen a life filled with horses, dogs, cows, family, and a growing circle of friends. Parenting her was an honor, both challenging and easy, but always an honor. She rarely asked what she could do, but rather told us what she was going to do. Our job was to show her how and support her. We were to be her sounding board as she found her way through. We were her place of comfort and safety, and her well of unconditional love. We have never loved any job more.

She wasn’t perfect, none of us are, but she accepted that in herself and everyone else. She walked this world with grace, grit, dignity, and pride. Back straight and head up, she tackled life full force with care, kindness, and gentleness. She angered slow and forgave quickly. She took great care of herself and better care of others.

Emma led by example with thoughtfulness and integrity. If you were going to follow get ready to hang on, especially if it got a little hard. That girl didn’t know anything less than 100% when she had a job to do or a goal to accomplish. Not to mention, she’s one of the strongest people and quickest learners you’ll meet. If you could keep up, she’d take care of you and support you the whole way. But she had little patience for wasted time and effort.

Watching her ride, work cattle, photograph, create, wrestle, or run was mesmerizing. Watching her move through the world was inspirational. She just had a way about her that drew you in and a humbleness that invited you to stay there. And when she stepped on a horse, especially one of her horses, the whole world righted itself.

Emma is survived by her parents, Larry and Bobbi Klingaman, brothers (Robert (wife Shelby and son Dominick), Ethan, Quirt, and Sylvester), grandparents (Dexter and Karla Buck, Karen and Greg Skoyen, Steve and Kathy Kleinjan); Travis and Jenny Buck and their children, Grace, Gus, Charlie, and Claire; Ryan and Ashley Callahan and their children, Camryn and Caitlyn; Wade and Tina; Julie and her children Jasmine and Davlin; and Seth and Stephanie and their children Reece, Tacoa, and Oliviana; along with multiple extended family. She is proceeded in death by her Grandpa Carl and Vickie Klingaman.

Emma, our baby girl, there are no words and too many words. We know we can’t go back, but we are not sure how to move forward. We are so blessed that you were involved with every part of our lives. We love and miss you forever.

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