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Haley Knutsen Obituary

Haley Nicole Knutsen, of Gilbert, whose seven-year battle with leukemia brought the East Valley together, died Thurs., Sept. 15, 2005 at UA Medical Center in Tucson. The daughter of Chris and Angie Knutsen, the nine-year-old attended both Humphrey and Navarrete Elementary Schools in Chandler. She loved her cat, Cleo, as well as family fishing trips, arts and crafts projects, singing, dancing and catching ladybugs. She is survived by her parents; sister, Kylene; brother, Jayce; grandparents, Janice Urbano and Harold and Pat Knutsen; and great-grandmother, Elsie Knutsen. Haley's legacy will be that her courageous battle unified the East Valley, including teens from many local high schools, in support and care. Vistation for Haley will be Mon., Sept. 19, from 2-8 pm (with scripture service at 7 pm) at Bueler Mortuary, 14 W. Hulet Dr., Chandler. Funeral services are planned for 3 pm Tues., Sept. 20, at St. Anne's Catholic Church, 440 E. Elliot Rd., Gilbert. Interment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Mesa, and a public reception will follow at the Chandler High School gymnasium, 350 N. Arizona Ave. The family suggest contributions to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society or to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Arizona, 2230 E. Speedway, Tucson, AZ 85719.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Sep. 18, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Haley Knutsen

Not sure what to say?





Kathy W

October 13, 2005

Haley is now with God and his angels. She is not suffering and she is smiling and happy.



God Bless you and your family.

Linda Torres

September 26, 2005

Just wanted to tell your family that Haley was a very courageous girl and my condolences go out to your family!!!!

Manny Cano

September 20, 2005

I would like to tell you that I and my wife rosemary cano met you in parker arizona in december of 2004 after the pop warner football game I remember my wife saying that she had to meet her. my wife Rosemary lost her battle with breast cancer on may 13 2005 she was only 39 we have 4 beatiful children. I remember the morning like it was yesterday when we met yourselves and haley and what I take most with me is the strength that haley had and yourselves as loving parents, and taking the time to talk with me and my wife even while haley was very tired. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME. MANNY CANO [email protected]

paulette mcneal

September 20, 2005

i will start by saying my heart goes out to you all i have never met haley in person but i have followed her story and prayed for her she was and still is a angel she touched my heart with her non selfishness she has my heart allways you guys are so blessed to have some one so specail in your life i have to boys a 16yr old and a 2yr old that was born on christmas hear i am telling you guys to be strong i really do not no what i would do my heart goes out to you once again haley is the strong one in all of this and i no she will make sure we all pull through you guys are so blessed i will keep you all in my prayers allways paulette mcneal and family if there is ever any thing i can do please let me no i would be honered (602)788-0382 your in my prayers we love you......

Chris Stillman

September 20, 2005

To the Knutsen Family:

I heard about Haley through an email from Jim and Luann Ewan whom I played for at Mtn. Ridge. I wanted to say that I am truly sorry for your loss. I'm sure life seems truly unfair and words are of little help, but Haley is truly in a better place. Haley and all of your family are in my prayers.

LISA KLINE-KOENIG

September 20, 2005

Goodbye miss Haley, you will live forever in the hearts of thousands.The inspiration that you passed along to the whole community was beautiful. Most people are here for ten times as long, and never create the love and hope that you did in nine years. We will miss you.

Pati Breeden

September 20, 2005

My heart breaks with yours. I have a granddaughter named Haley also and she has very rare kidney disease (MPGN Tpye II.) She's had many ups and downs and needs a kidney, unfortunately the chances are about 88% that this disease will attack her new kidney. I've been following your story with your precious angel Haley and it saddens me so that she lost her fight, what a beautiful, precious angel she was and will always be. I bought Hope for Haley bracelets for my whole family and we will continue wearing them in your precious girls honor. Please keep our Haley in your prayers and we will continue to keep your family in ours. Always keep the faith and know that Haley is catching ladybugs with Jesus. May God Bless you always and keep you safe in his loving arms.

Greg Barnfield

September 20, 2005

Sorry to hear of your loss,have our deepest sympathy ,may God bless you and your family.

Greg and Maria Barnfield

Bill Heavens

September 19, 2005

Dear Chris,Angie,and Siblings,I;ve worked with kids and parents,fighting cancer,ever since i lost my own son in 2000,You have one brave angel up in heaven, Shes the greatest fighter of that big C Ive ever seen,7 yrs fighting cancer is forever in a childs life, God Bless your family, "Ladybugs forever", "Angel Haley"...

Diana Shaw

September 19, 2005

It was great to see you again today Angie! It saddens me that it has to be under these circumstances though.

You pour all your love into your children- Haley was certainly evidence that it was given back to the world many times over! Rest in peace lady bug! We will miss you!

Thomas Buehlmann

September 19, 2005

Dear Family Knutsen



My wife is working at your school and I have been very much informed and touched by Halley's fight with Leukemia in the past few months.



Having lost a child and his best friend unexpectedly I know there are no words, no actions that truly can take away the pain over your loss. Still I would like to reach out and let you know that Halley has left a great legacy by mobilizing a huge number of people, making them aware of the struggles with this sickness. As such she may have done more in the short time she was given than many of us ever will achieve.



Please feel free to contact me, if you think I can help in any capacity.



My best wishes to the whole family; may you find the power to overcome your loss.



Thomas Buehlmann

Sheri Walton

September 19, 2005

Your precious Haley's story has touched my family's lives. The strength that you have shown through this life changing experience has helped to teach us the REAL meaning of family. Haley will always be remembered as a brave and loving little girl with a heart of gold. God Bless & remember, we will see her again.

Char Hawkins

September 19, 2005

Dear Knutsen Family, I have followed Hayleys progress through the media. I have felt very connected to her and your family as we too lost our daughter to cancer this year. But still I can only try to understand what you are going through because I know how very personal and individual it is. If there is anything I can do, please let me. I would love to bring in a meal or make dinner rolls to be waiting for you when you get home on Tues. All my love and understanding. Char Hawkins

Laurie Keith

September 19, 2005

To precious Haley's family, I have followed Haley's story of strength and courage, but I did not know her, but sure wish I would have had the honor. You- as the parents and family can find comfort in knowing you did everything possible to save your beautiful, precious daughter, Also have comfort in knowing- "you will see her again", and she is happy, healthy, and not in any pain, you will be in my prayers. God Bless.

Sheryl Pena

September 18, 2005

My deepest sympathy to Haley's family. I have a nephew who attends Chandler High School and have received emails about Haley.

May God be with you always.

Sheryl Pena

Adrian, MI

Kris Bouck

September 18, 2005

I can only hope that Haley's family will find comfort in the fact that she is no longer suffering. I am so sorry for your loss. I did not have the honor of knowing Haley but I am still upset that she is gone. The Lord works in mysterious ways....

Holly Roberts

September 18, 2005

Haley was special in every way possible. No matter what she had she always had a smile. We shed tears and broke down ,but we remind ourselves that haley is in a better place with the angels.

Linda Perich

September 18, 2005

Your beautiful baby Haley touched my heart. Our son died 4 yrs ago from brain cancer after a 4 yr battle. He was 30 when he died, but nontheless, he was our baby too. Please know that our Michael had a kind, loving and gentle heart and I know he is making Haley smile and laugh. My prayers and thoughts are with you. From a mom who knows the pain of losing a child.

Sam & Miki Coffman

September 18, 2005

Your little angel has gone to Heaven. Her bright, shining smile will be remembered by everyone, even those who never met her. She was a wonderful example for all of us. May God Bless You and give you peace that she suffers no more.



Sincerely,

Sam & Miki Coffman

Scottsdale, AZ.

SHARON

September 18, 2005

I do not know you or your family, but I can see that you were a precious gift to so many. May your warmth, your courage, your spirt be an example to all. It is clear that your life on this earth will be a legacy to so many.

jacqueline james

September 18, 2005

To the parents of Haley Nicole Knutsen. My husband and I would like to express our deepest condolences in your lost of lovely Haley. We seen her story on T.V. and followed it. We were surprised when we found out of her passing. Haley will live forever in our hearts.

Jeannie Jesson

September 18, 2005

Haley was a role model for others due to her courage and strength. She has helped my daughters understand the importance of caring for and helping others. We have supported the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for the past 4 years and will continue to do so in rememberance of Haley.

Patricia and Randy Collins

September 18, 2005

We are very sad to hear of your loss. Our Grandson (Avery Yost) went to school with Haley and is a friend of hers. He called us to tell us how sad he is that she has passed. We are very sorry and will continue to pray for your whole family. Your's in Christ, Patricia and Randy Collins

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