20 Years Without Heather: Family Holds onto Memories
“We would play merry-go-round... I'd take her by the hands and swirl her around.”
Leanne Spence, whose niece, Heather Bush, disappeared 20 years ago, recalled some of her favorite memories in a conversation with NCMEC. “I remember us watching cartoons and eating cereal and just trying to make her happy.”
Leanne has held onto these small but joyful moments for the past two decades. Heather was just 13 years old when she vanished after leaving her grandmother’s Modesto, California, home on Jan. 16, 2005.
As the search for Heather continues, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) is releasing a new age progression image showing what Heather may look like today at 34 years old. Heather’s family and investigators are hoping this image will lead to the answers they have been waiting for.
Heather age-progressed to 34 years old. (Courtesy of NCMEC)
Heather is originally from Colorado, but the summer before her disappearance, she was staying at a relative’s home in Merced, California, with her older sister, Cheryl Bush. Cheryl says they had a close relationship and loved each other unconditionally. But she was starting to worry when she noticed that Heather was getting into some trouble and hanging around older people.
At the end of the summer, Cheryl returned home to Colorado, but Heather stayed behind in California. That was the last time the sisters saw each other.
Heather (right) and her sister Cheryl (left). (Courtesy of NCMEC)
Months later, on Jan. 16, 2005, Heather was spending the night with her grandmother in Modesto, which is about 40 miles north of Merced. Sometime in the evening, Heather slipped out of the house and never returned. Initially, it was believed she had run away and would come back soon. But as days turned into weeks with no communication, those closest to Heather began to worry. They knew it wasn’t like Heather to stay away that long without reaching out.
Both Leanne and Cheryl believe something may have happened to Heather that has kept her from coming home. Even if she left voluntarily, they believe she intended on returning.
“I know she would’ve reached out to someone,” Cheryl said. “It’s been a really long time. She would have reached out to at least me.”
Heather (left) and her sister Cheryl (right). (Courtesy of NCMEC)
Leanne has carried the weight of her niece’s absence and shared she has always felt protective over the sisters. “She's a sweet girl,” Leanne told NCMEC. “I would really love to find her and hug her and see her little dimples.”
Heather at 12 years old. (Courtesy of NCMEC)
Over the years, there have been very few leads in Heather’s case. Still, that has never stopped Cheryl or Leanne from searching.
“I urge everyone to please share her pictures and her posts,” Leanne said. “Anything that you see, just please share. It can't hurt. And I thank you very much.”
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Heather’s older sister, Cheryl, and younger sister, Breanna Mae, asked NCMEC to share letters they wrote for Heather:
Heather, there is not a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. We all miss you so much. I pray that wherever you are, your world is beautiful and full of love, happiness, and peace. I know one day we will meet again. Until then, you will remain in my heart and prayers. I love you!
Love always,
Your sister Cheryl
Heather, we miss you beyond what words can even begin to express. I’m not too sure where to start but I do know we all truly love you, miss you and we wish you would return home. Although I knew you from a very young age, I still wish to see you again and have a relationship with you as older women. I pray to God that he brings you to us or us to you. May our paths cross at some point in this lifetime. I look at pictures of you as a teenage girl, you’re so beautiful and I can’t help but wonder what you’re doing in life, if you got married, if you have children, what’s your favorite meal, if you prefer coffee or tea, books or a movie? Just who you’ve become as an adult. I often wonder what you look like, what you’re doing, how you’re doing? If maybe perhaps we’ve crossed paths in a busy room and didn’t even know it. Our hearts ache not knowing your whereabouts. We haven’t forgotten you and never will. We speak of you often and wish and pray for your return. Again, we miss you, truly. This is your little sister Breanna, and I pray that we find the answers soon. I love you so much and I wish I had more time to have gotten to know you when we were younger. Please never forget that we’re your family and you’re our family. You are loved deeply. Forever cherished not only as a sister but as a daughter. I love you Heather, wherever you are… please return home soon.
-Breanna Bush
Heather (top left) and her sister’s Cheryl (top right) and Breanna (bottom). (Courtesy of NCMEC)
If you have any information about Heather Bush or her disappearance, please contact NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Ripon Police Department at 1-209-559-2102.
Heather Bush’s missing poster: https://www.missingkids.org/poster/NCMC/1292987/1