Heather LeAnn Hockett died on Monday, April 5, 2010 due to an automobile accident.

She was born July 28, 1986 in Oliver, B.C. She spent her childhood years attending school in Portland, Ore. and summer times in Oroville. She loved to sing in concert choir and had aspirations of being a music teacher. Heather graduated from David Douglas High School in Portland in 2005. In pursuit of a music career, Heather began her education at Southern University in Oregon. For a change of scenery and to get some sun, Heather transferred to Concordia University in Southern California. In September 2009, Heather transferred to Eastern Washington University and declared Business as her major, with a minor in music. She was scheduled to graduate in June of 2011.

Heather loved to care for people, regardless of who they were, and gave attention to things that no one else would want to. She cherished her family above all and loved to celebrate holidays and birthdays with little presents and remembrances. Heather had a very special place in her heart for the children of her family members and friends and loved to spoil them! She enjoyed water coloring, drawing and being artistic. Heather was a photographer with a special interest in nature. She skillfully captured candid moments of others and herself.

Heather was blessed with many friends, including her beloved boyfriend, Yashar Sahaleh, of 2 1/2 years. Heather and Yashar loved going to Disneyland and enjoying life together. Heather will be greatly missed by her family members – who love her so much and by friends and classmates she has met throughout the years.

Heather is survived by her parents: Tina Whittington of Portland, Ore. and David and Lee Hockett of Oroville; her siblings and their spouses: Melissa and Jake Herrick of Oroville, Shane and Melissa Hockett of Portland, Ore., Aaron and Andrea Hockett of Maple Valley, Wash., Michelle and Joe Verser of Oroville, Meagan Freauff of Ridgefield, Wash. and Brandon Rodriguez of Portland, Ore.

Heather was preceded in death by her grandfathers: Raymond Whittington and Delmer Hockett; her beloved Grandma Lois; and Aunts: Darlene Rohleder and Connie Mae Whittington.

The family would like to share an encouraging closing remark from Heather’s own words, “This always helps me when I’m down. I don’t remember which Proverbs it is from, but it goes a little something like this: “The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him and I am helped! You don’t have to carry the weight!”

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, April 10, 2010 1 p.m. at the Oroville Free Methodist Church with Pastors Rod Brown and Randy McAllister officiating. Interment followed at the Tonasket Cemetery.

Bergh Funeral Service of Oroville/Tonasket in care of arrangements.