Elissa Tam-sis Kimberly Hart

Elissa Tam-sis Kimberly Hart was born on May 16, 1981. She entered into rest on February 22, 2025 at her home in Lewiston, Idaho. She was called “Lisa” by everyone in her life. Lisa was 43 years old at the time of her death. Lisa was the daughter of Julie Marie Wheeler Hart and Frederick Jack Hart Jr. Lisa grew up in Kamiah, Idaho with her only sister Danica Hart and brother Larry Stadtmiller.

Lisa and Danica grew up on Airport Road in Kamiah, next door to their Grandma Delo. Growing up Lisa would tell her auntie Irene that she wanted to grow up to be just like her Grandma Delo. She wanted to cook just as good as her grandma who was a cook for the Kamiah Elementary School. Lisa spent her childhood playing with her cousins that lived nearby (Delores and Feather) and many friends made at school. Lisa was a traditional dancer attending and representing pow-wows all over the Northwest. Lisa served as “Little Miss Matalyma” and “Little Miss Lookingglass” in her youth. She was proud to dance and took great care of the regalia items made for her and given to her from family members.

Lisa attended Kamiah High School where she played basketball and volleyball. Lisa was an active member in the Key Club, JOM Indian Ed. Club, AISES, and HOIST. Lisa played basketball and participated in tournaments such as FACTS on AIDS Family tournament in Lapwai and Spokane’s Hoopfest where she played with “Frybread Riot” team made up of her cousin Stephanie Oatman, Leon Stanger, Delores Higheagle and Lisa. Lisa was an active youth member and traveled with the Church youth group to many places such as Seattle, Kentucky, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Florida. Lisa was friendly and she made many lifelong friends along the way. Lisa was always so happy traveling that when she got her license, she was often finding a place to explore. Lisa also worked during the summers in high school at the Senior Citizen’s program. During the summers she would help cook and serve the elders, getting to know them and building relationships with our elders, many whom have passed on.

Lisa graduated Kamiah High School in the year 2000. She was proud to graduate with best friend Felicia Williams and Cousin Feather Holt, and Cheryl Ellenwood. Lisa attended University of Idaho for a little while before returning to Kamiah to work for the Nez Perce Tribe Enterprise. Lisa helped take care of her elders while working full time at the Itseyeye Casino until she moved to Lewiston, Idaho. Lisa moved to Lewiston and transferred to the Clearwater River Casino.

In 2002, Lisa was so happy to be made an auntie by the birth of her first niece Avianna Vasquez. Lisa was so honored to be an auntie, and she took the role serious. She was always by Danica’s side for each baby and each major life event. Lisa loved to hold and spoil her nieces and nephews; they were so important to her. In 2007, she met James VavRosky and formed a family welcoming August James in 2010 and Nikola Michael in 2012. Here boys were the joy of her life. She adored her sons and would do anything for them. She was a protective mom and would advocate for her sons the best she could to ensure they were receiving the best of everything.

Lisa was preceded in death by her mother Julie Hart, two nephews Sergio and Juan as well as many cousins and elders.

Lisa is survived by partner James VavRosky, her sons August and Nikola VavRosky, her sister Danica Hart (Sergio), nieces Avianna, Maria, and Rubi, Nephews Julio, Francisco, Pedro and Sergio Jr.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the head grave digger Jacob Oatman, Head Cook Shannon Jackson, all of the 2nd Church ladies, Ashley Oatman, Ayisha Wheeler, Bernadine Weaskus, and Elsie Cree whom dressed her for her eternal rest.
We love and miss you Lisa, until we meet again. Yox Kalo.