Mary Elizabeth Hadsall

It is with sadness that we announce the quiet passing of Mary (Betty) E. Hadsall (Stenquist) who slipped away gently and ever so peacefully on August 28, 2022. Betty had just celebrated her seventy-seventh birthday.

Betty is survived by her children, Ingrid Garton, Michael Bennett, Bridget Afandi-Reddin, Heidi Stenquist, Sheldon Stenquist II; her four grandchildren, Kimberly Garton, Scarlett King, Cady King, and Zachary Afandi, her sister, Regina Fox and her four great-grandchildren.

Betty is pre-deceased by her mother, Etta Sue Kahrimanian; father, William Paine; Sister Barbara Palmer; Brother Llyod Paine; and her much beloved dog, Rascal.

Betty was a native and life-long resident of California and was born and raised in warm sunny southern California. Where she raised her children, passionately enjoyed camping, traveling and fishing in the various lakes and rivers throughout the western United States. Betty had an eclectic work history from real estate, electronics, and then transitioned into becoming a licensed, private, home health caregiver for the elderly and she loved it so much that she spent over thirty years caring for her elderly clients until she retired. After moving to Warner Springs, she served her community by seeking training by the American Red Cross in standard first aid, adult and community CPR. Betty was also a staunch senior advocate and served as an ombudsman in the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program and continued to be a representative for the improved treatment of seniors. In the last decade, Mary took great pride training to be a crucial part her community’s emergency response team, and she was a dedicated philanthropist who contributed regularly to America’s disabled veterans. Betty was also a fifty plus year (lifetime member) of the woman’s philanthropic sorority, Beta Sigma Phi International and served as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles for approximately forty years. Betty stayed busy enjoying her retirement by spending time with friends, family and pursuing her many hobbies. Betty was a proud, American patriot.

In lieu of flowers, Betty has requested that any memorial donations be made to, The Wounded Warrior Project in honor of her many family members who have served in the United States Armed Forces; or, to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in your community in honor of her beloved, loyal companion Rascal.

Mary’s last request was to be cremated and elected to forego a memorial service, and instead asked that her ashes be scattered across the American River, where so many of her treasured memoires were created. Where she appreciated the beautiful outdoors, time spent trying to catch the next big fish and just relishing her time spent camping and having RV adventures across the western united states, especially the American River, of which she was so fond.

When tomorrow starts without me,

and I'm not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes

all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry

the way you did today,

while thinking of the many things

we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,

as much as I love you,

and each time that you think of me

I know you'll miss me too,

but when tomorrow starts without me,

please try to understand,

that an angel came and called my name

and took me by the hand,

and said my place was ready

in heaven far above,

and that I'd have to leave behind

all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,

a tear fell from my eye,

for all my life, I'd always thought

I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for

So much left yet to do.

it seemed almost impossible

that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays

the good ones and the bad

I thought of all the love we shared

and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,

Just even for a while,

I'd say goodbye and kiss you

and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized

that this could never be,

for emptiness and memories

would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things

I'd might miss come tomorrow.

I thought of you, and when I did,

my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through Heaven's gates,

I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me,

from His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you,

Today your life on earth is past

but here life starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,

but today will always last.

and since each day's the same,

there's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,

so trusting, and so true.

Although there were times

you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.

but you have been forgiven and now, at last, you're free.

So won't you come and take my hand and share my life with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me,

don't think we're far apart,

for every time you think of me,

I'm right here in your heart.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GatesKingsley.com for the Hadsall family.