Hailey Hyatt

June 13, 1988 - Feb.7, 2006

17 years old

Cocaine Overdose

Hailey was born to William E. Hyatt and Clarice Michelle "Mickey" Rice, in Red Springs, North Carolina, on June 13, 1988.

Hailey moved to this area and settled here with her mother in 1998. In 1999 Clarice married Michael J. Rice, of Lynnwood, Washington. She embraced her new family with such open love that everyone who knew her loved her in return. Creative and passionate, she was a beautiful girl, on the brink of womanhood. As a senior at Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Washington, she was excited about the spring of her life. Hailey had plans to pursue her love of cosmetology and fashion or her great talent in sign language after graduation. Her strong will and drive would have made her successful in either.

She was surrounded by a large support group of family and friends. Clarice and her husband, Mike, (whom Hailey always called "Dad", even from the beginning) loved her so much. She was their baby doll. Her brothers, Michael "Patrick" Shaw, Danny Shaw, and Tony Rice, adored her and would do anything for her. She was close with her sister, Rebecca Rice, and frequently enjoyed sessions of "girl talk" with her; or spending time with her nephews, Davante' and LeShawn Rice. She had a special relationship with her aunt and uncle, Brian and Kathy Felske, of Monroe, Washignton. They, along with their daughters, Mamie Rea Mann, Megan, and Shelby Feske, had known Hailey since her birth. Mamie's daughter, Kathryn, was a favorite of Hailey's. Her brother, Patrick's, fiancée, Jenna Scott, was already a sister to her. Extended family includes Grandpa Roger L. Rice, of Mill Creek, and Grandparents, Ed and Shirley Riddell, of Oakdale, California, as well as aunts, Blair Quick, Marianne Reeves, Patricia Sulliban, Carolyn Adrian, Denise Krell, and Jolene Martinis. Uncles include Vince Martinis, and Scott Krell. Cousins include Ann, Jeff, Jason, Megan, Lindsey, Rachel, Andy, and Chris.

Hailey was as much at ease with adults as she was with children. She counted many adults among her friends. Scott Sanders, of Lynnwood, was a special mentor. Jim Blackman, of Lynnwood, and John Barr, of Everett, loved her and took a strong interest in her. Neighbors, Ron and Kent Patterson, watched her grow and always looked out for her. Dezirae Cunningham was a true friend for many years and was always there with a hug and a smile. Dezirae's father, Glenn, cared for Hailey as his own.

Our pain at this loss cannot possibly be expressed. We miss her passion and energy. Our house is quiet. Without the support of our many friends and family we would be lost. Our salvation comes in knowing that her spirit lives on, only above us, and we know we have an angel to watch over us.