Hailey Dorann BARTHOLOMEW

Hailey Dorann Bartholomew, 58, an avid equestrian with a gift for bringing out the best in others, passed away September 27, 2025, surrounded by loved ones at the family home in Otis Orchards, WA, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Hailey excelled at making the most of nearly any circumstance, a skill she developed early when figuring out how at just 14 years old to get and care for her first horse, a gorgeous Arabian named Starfyre. It opened a lifelong connection to the region's supportive equestrian community and would eventually introduce her to Eric Bartholomew, who she would marry in 1988 and together spend the next 37 years raising a family and caring for horses on their 10-acre farm.

She competed in horse shows across the western U.S., earning numerous champions, reserve champion and other honors. She also was an active volunteer in several community organizations, including Spokane County 4-H for many years. Hailey's enthusiasm, joy and faith brought people together while her ability to face everyday challenges with a focus on practical solutions was an inspiration to many. She will be dearly missed.

Born December 29, 1966, to Jeffrey and Linda Wasson in San Pablo, California, Hailey moved to the Spokane area at a young age with her family. She graduated from Central Valley High School in 1984 and held several jobs, including many years helping her mother and two of her siblings manage the Gathering Place, a popular wedding venue in Spokane Valley that also featured a dress and formal wear shop. She later spent several years with Safeco and then Liberty Mutual.

In 2024, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer and confronted it with her customary courage, resolve and grace to the very end. She continued to help and celebrate in the accomplishments of her large, extended family and friends, expressing particular joy that she'd been able to see her children earn college degrees and continue on to pursue graduate studies in science and the law.

She is survived by her husband, Eric of Otis Orchards; their two daughters, Lindsay Bartholomew of Otis Orchards and Emma Bartholomew of Cheney; her father, Jeffrey Wasson of Spokane; siblings Susanna Dinwiddie of Spokane, Stephen Wasson of Coeur d'Alene, and David Wasson of Spokane Valley; numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Linda Wasson.

A memorial service and celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m., Oct. 26, at CenterPlace, 2426 N. Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, Washington.