Mandan and Bismarck, North Dakota – It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we join the community in mourning the tragic loss of Amanda Metzger-Kist, a woman whose presence in our lives brought warmth, creativity, and joy. While Amanda was not officially a member of the Heat House team, she was a beloved part of our larger family—cherished as a sister, a friend, and a gifted hairstylist whose light touched countless lives across Mandan, Bismarck, and far beyond. Her untimely departure leaves an unfillable void, and her absence is keenly felt in every corner of our towns, from our local businesses to our quiet homes.
Amanda’s passing has sent ripples of sorrow throughout our tight-knit community, and as we navigate this profound loss, we reflect on the ways her life shaped us all. In close-knit communities like ours, a loss of this magnitude doesn’t just affect a few—it reaches into the hearts of everyone, leaving a trail of grief and memories that will not easily fade. Amanda wasn’t just a hairstylist; she was a presence, a friend, and a source of light in the lives of those lucky enough to know her.
For those who had the privilege of sitting in Amanda’s chair, it wasn’t just about getting a haircut or a new style. It was about feeling heard, understood, and uplifted. Amanda’s work went far beyond creating beauty on the outside; she had a gift for making her clients feel seen and beautiful on the inside. Whether she was cutting hair, styling for a special occasion, or simply chatting about life, Amanda’s hands didn’t just work on hair—they worked on hearts. Her creativity and talent were evident in every hairstyle she crafted, but it was her warmth and kindness that made the experience so much more meaningful. She made people feel like they mattered, like they were worth the time and effort she invested in them.
Amanda’s smile, always bright and sincere, had a way of lighting up a room. It wasn’t just her smile, though—it was the genuine laughter that followed it, a laughter that lingered long after she left. Those who knew Amanda well spoke of her sense of humor, her generosity, and her ability to make others feel comfortable, welcome, and loved. She had the rare ability to make everyone around her feel at ease, and that gift left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered.
As a member of the wider Heat House family, we stand in solidarity with all who are grieving Amanda’s loss—her clients, friends, family, and fellow stylists. Many of you shared your lives with Amanda, whether through a cherished friendship, a regular salon visit, or a simple moment of kindness exchanged in passing. We know how deeply her loss has affected each of you, and we want you to know that you are not alone in your grief. The outpouring of love and support for Amanda’s family and her memory is a testament to the profound influence she had on all of us.
Amanda’s family, especially her children, husband, and close relatives, are left with an irreplaceable void. To them, we extend our most heartfelt condolences. We cannot imagine the depth of your sorrow, but please know that we hold you in our hearts and prayers. During this unimaginable time of loss, we hope you find comfort in the memories you shared with Amanda. We hope that you find moments of peace amidst the pain, knowing that Amanda’s love for you will never be gone. She will continue to live on in your hearts, in the lessons she taught, and in the way she made you feel loved every single day.
We also ask our community to keep one another lifted in this time of sorrow. Let us come together to support Amanda’s family, her friends, and each other as we mourn. It’s often in times of loss that we realize the power of our connection to one another. If Amanda taught us anything, it’s that the simple, beautiful ways we love one another matter more than we often realize. Her legacy lives on in the way she made us all feel—seen, heard, and loved.
In this time of grief, we recognize that healing isn’t a straight path. It will come in waves, sometimes slow and steady, sometimes overwhelming. But it’s a journey we can walk together. As a community, we must continue to lift each other up. Be gentle with yourselves, be patient with others, and remember that it’s okay not to have all the answers or all the strength right now. In our collective grief, we can find comfort and strength in knowing that we are not walking this road alone.
Amanda’s home-going services will be held on May 6 and May 7, 2025, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Wesley Methodist Church, respectively. These services will provide an opportunity for all who knew Amanda to gather, to remember her, and to celebrate the joy she brought into our lives. Her family invites friends, clients, and all who loved Amanda to join them in honoring her memory. This is a time for reflection, for shared stories, and for grieving together.
In the days ahead, there will likely be opportunities to contribute to a memorial fund or other forms of support for Amanda’s family. Many have expressed their desire to help, whether financially or through acts of kindness. The Heat House community will be organizing a fund to assist Amanda’s family with funeral expenses and any immediate needs they may have. Contributions, large or small, are welcomed, and we encourage all who can help to offer their support during this difficult time.
We invite those who knew Amanda to reflect on the ways she touched your lives, whether it was through her work, her friendship, her smile, or her compassion. In her memory, let us all strive to live with the same generosity, kindness, and authenticity that Amanda did every day. Let her example remind us of the importance of creating meaningful connections, of lifting others up, and of embracing life with joy and grace.
Amanda Metzger-Kist was a gift to our community, and though she is no longer with us in the physical sense, her spirit will continue to live on. Her legacy is one of love, light, and service. We will miss her dearly, but we take comfort in knowing that the impact she made in this world will never fade. Her memory will continue to shine brightly, like a constellation of love that will forever guide us through the darkness.
Rest in peace, Amanda. You will forever be remembered, and your light will continue to shine in our hearts.
