Harlee Anne Hire “Hah” entered fully into the presence of our Lord on Wednesday, May 11, 2022. Harlee was born August 31, 2005 in Ridgecrest, CA; she was only 16.  In 2014 Harlee, her parents (Brian & Toby) and siblings (Madelynn, Alexa & Otto) made Front Royal, VA, their home.

It did not matter how old Harlee was or which coast she was on, her laughter, smile and antics were sure to catch your attention. Her contagious smile and whole body laughs brought joy to those around her.

Harlee started playing softball shortly after moving to VA. She played for Little League, Fire, Unity, and Skyline High School. She loved the game so much that she was willing and could play almost every position on the field very well. Harlee’s favorite positions to play were catcher and shortstop.

Harlee managed to letter in tennis her freshman year at Skyline High School. This only took place because of a “contract” she made with her Dad to get a nose ring.  Meeting the almost impossible demands of this contract is just one example of Harlee’s tenacity.  This served her well on and off the field.  She did get the nose ring.

Harlee was a certified welder. After completing welding at Blue Ridge Technical Center, she took her certification test.  She loved welding.  It was definitely the highlight of her day, if she wasn’t playing softball. She recently helped fabricate and weld a vehicle for the Shenandoah Valley Electric Grand Prix with the BRTC team. She expected welding would become her career as well as her passion.

Harlee Anne volunteered with multiple organizations. Her favorites were Reaching Out Now and Abundant Life Church. Harlee began helping deliver meals with Reaching Out Now even before she had her driver’s permit. She also helped RON with multiple events and was in their Girl of Destiny Leadership Program. At Abundant Life, her favorite way to volunteer was to help with child care. She also attended CRAVE student ministry at Abundant Life Church in Stephens City.

Hah loved a good time: random dance parties, singing at the top of her lungs, playing in the rain, mud or snow.  You knew how competitive she was and how big of a heart she had for littles if you ever played kickball or wiffle ball with her in a driveway, on a street or at The Farm. She liked her room to be clean and everything to look pretty.  She was an athlete to the core. Harlee has participated in organized leagues of flag football, tackle football, soccer, cheer and of course softball.

Harlee loved working at both Abundant Life Day Care and Checkers.  She loved to travel and any adventure.  She loved smiles and hugs and made sure to include as many people in her “good time” as possible.

Harlee has left a gaping hole in the lives of those she left on earth.  She was surrounded and loved her entire life by biological family, chosen family and friends. It is incomprehensible how she could feel so alone. It doesn’t have to make sense, it was her reality. Harlee is missed beyond measure. What comfort we find is found in knowing she is seated with Jesus and we will see her in eternity.

Harlee’s 4ever Young Celebration will be held at Abundant Life Church, Stephens City, VA, on June 4th at 10:30am.  A visitation will begin at 9:30 and a reception will be immediately following after her celebration. To honor Harlee’s love of red lips, Maddie and Lu request red lips be present by all. Either by wearing red on your lips or a red kiss on your cheek! If your practice attire will bring you peace, wear it!  If you would like to honor her love of bling and want to dress in sparkles and heels…DO IT!  This celebration will be all the ways we want to remember Harlee.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Harlee’s favorite volunteer opportunities: Reaching Out Now or CRAVE Student Ministry at Abundant Life Church.  The link for Reaching Out Now is https://reachingoutnow.org/donations/harlee/ (this is a direct link for all donations in Harlee’s memory). Donations can be made to CRAVE by texting myalc to 77977 and put “Harlee” in the memo line. You can also go online to myabundantlife.com/give and put “Harlee” in the memo line.

Lastly, in remembrance of Harlee Anne, be kind to yourself and others. Share a smile.  Have a laugh. Do the little things. Do them for others, but also yourself. Look in the mirror and see the beauty God sees in you. Engage with someone you haven’t in a while. Give yourself the grace you deserve. Remember, you are loved more than you could ever imagine.