SHERI MARIE HAZEN

Our family would like to tell you about the special light in our life that sadly and unexpectedly went out on July 10th, 2013.

Sheri Marie Hazen was welcomed into the world on December 4th, 1968, by her parents, Bob and Lori Simmons in Richland. She grew up in Finley, and attended the Finley School District.

When Sheri was 15, she dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized on Nov 24, 1984. At 18, she started devoting most of her time to the full-time ministry. She continued this for 7 years until she met the love of her life, Mark Hazen, and started a new journey by marrying him on September 18th, 1993. At that time she became a mother to Mark's then 4-year-old daughter Alexis. At 27, she gave birth to her first son, Quinn. Three years later, Tucker was born, and then 6 years later, along came Sawyer.

Words cannot express how much Sheri loved her children. They grew up in her lap, reading a book. She devoted her time to both their secular and spiritual education. The most important thing to Sheri was the expression at Joshua 24:15, 'As forme and my household, we shall serve Jehovah.' Sheri's greatest hope was that her children would grow up and have a close relationship with Jehovah God.

There are so many one-word descriptions we could use to describe Sheri. We could use each of the fruitages of the spirit mentioned at Galatians 5: 23,24. She was a wonderful wife, loving mother, fantastic and fun sister, obedient and caring daughter, loyal and unmatchable friend. She was a great teacher both to her children, and to those she found who would allow her to study the Bible with them. Her example is one that we all will strive to imitate.

As one of Jehovah's Witnesses she enjoyed having an active share in telling others about Jehovah, Jesus, and the kingdom that mankind prays for (Matt 6: 9,10). She believed and taught that this kingdom, under the direction of Christ Jesus, would rid the earth of all wickedness, disease, and even death (Rev. 21:3,4). Sheri believed in the resurrection that is talked about at John 5:28,29. Sheri also knew what the Bible says about those asleep in death at Ecclesiastes 9:5,10, so she had no fear of death.

We loved her so much that we cannot find the words to express it. We know we will see her here, alive on the earth in the wonderful paradise that the Bible promises us. But until we see her, our hearts will have a large hole, and we will miss her dearly.

To our precious wife, daughter, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Sleep well. You have the love and the deepest respect from anyone having the privilege of knowing you, We will see you when you wake up dear one.

Sheri is survived by her parents, Bob and Lori Simmons, husband Mark, daughter Alexis Hazen, sons Quinn, Tucker and Sawyer Hazen. Along with four sisters, three brothers, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at the Kennewick Red Lion, July 20th at 2:00 p.m., and there will be a reception following at the Finley school (corner of Gamefarm and Finley roads).