JENNIFER FAITH HARGIS

1986 - 2009

BORN

1986

DIED

2009

JENNIFER HARGIS Obituary

Jennifer Faith Hargis, born October 6, 1986, passed away March 9, 2009 at the age of 22 after fighting cancer for the third time in her life. Diagnosed with Retinoblastoma at 9 weeks of age, she survived against the odds and was cancer free from 2 1/2 years of age until her senior year at Burlington-Edison High School. In March 2005 she was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma in her bladder. Through surgery and chemo she held that cancer at bay until May 2007 when it was discovered to have metastasized into her liver, lungs and bones. No known treatments were available but she participated in six different clinical studies between the summer of 2007 and August 2008, using experimental chemo to try to stop the tumors growth, willingly letting herself be a "guinea pig" in the hope that it might help others in the future.

In November of 2008, she began to show signs of liver failure, due to the cancer. Treatment turned from curative to palliative; she was put on hospice and began medications to manage pain, fatigue and other issues. She bravely clung to hope - hope of a miracle here on earth, and if that was not to be, then the hope that we have in Jesus Christ of life beyond death.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Pete and Clara Hargis and her maternal grandfather, Paul Lippold.

She is survived by her maternal grandmother, Vivian Lippold of Burlington, her parents, Ruth and Richard Hargis of Bow, her sister Bethany Riddle and brother-in-law David Riddle of Pasco, WA, her sister Rebecca of Bow, and numerous family members and friends. We all miss her terribly but rejoice at knowing she is at peace and that scripture promises we will see her again.

A service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 2 PM at First United Methodist Church in Mount Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, Jenni requested donations to one of the following organizations that were dear to her heart. The Dream Foundation www.dreamfoundation.org, Compassion International www.compassion.com, Allen United Methodist Church. Additionally the family wishes to thank and suggest donations to the Dream Foundation, Seattle Children's Hospital Oncology, American Cancer Society - Camp Goodtimes, Skagit Hospice, the Burlington-Edison School District Staff and Allen United Methodist Church for all their support and prayers, and all they each did to add quality to Jenni's life, help us through difficult times, and make her dreams come true.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Skagit Valley Herald on Mar. 12, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for JENNIFER HARGIS

5 Entries

Kathi Williams

March 14, 2009

Jennifer was a recipient of one of the scholarships the BE Foundtion gave in 2005. We are sadened that she lost her brave battle with cancer, but glad we were able to recoginize her with one of our awards.

julie farmer

March 12, 2009

One cannot read/hear about Jenni without feeling her incredible strength, courage and zest for life. She truly has been a teacher to us all-especially me. Although I did not speak at any great length with Jenni, I feel I knew her through working with her talented mother, Ruth, and through hearing her story through newspapers, word of mouth, friends etc...
As a first grade teacher, my students wrote to Jenni as one of their writing assignments. She candidly replied to their questions as to her favorite animal, ice cream and toys in a manner that spoke directly to each child. Perhaps the one thing that stood out strongest in her writing to my students was her ability to reach every child and to make him/her feel special. I think that was one of her numerous gifts, the ability to relate to people and to see the good in everyone.
I believe Jenni has taught me, and others, exactly how to live. Not dreading the past or anxiously anticipating the future, but peacefully recognizing that each moment is a gift. Her time here has certainly left the world a 'little' better and brighter. I thank God for allowing me to have known such a courageous spirit. Thank you Jenni!

Melissa and Richie Reyes-Ortiz

March 12, 2009

Hargis Family
So sorry for your lost, Did not know your Daughter personally, but knew Mrs Hargis, you are in our heart and prayers

Danielle Wickersham

March 12, 2009

Ruth, Richard, Bethany, David and Becca,
You are all still in my prayers. Jenni was wonderful and I will always be grateful she came into my life. She was an angel waiting for her wings and is truly missed.

Sarra Burnett

March 11, 2009

Hargis Family,

My truest condolences to your family. I can't imagine losing a daughter, as I haven't had children yet. I am thankful that you have an amazing God to lean on during this time and the promise of seeing her again, completely healed, in heaven.

I went to school with Jenni in Elma and she is a wonderful young woman and I'm glad to have known her, she will be missed by many, many people.

God bless and restore you during these weeks and months.

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