It is with much sadness that we announce the death of our beloved mother, Achsah (“Axa”) Mae Haun of Oak Harbor, WA, on December 9, 2023, after a brief illness. Mom was born to Lawson and Lara “Vyrl” (Finlen) Wright on June 8, 1935, and raised in Sedgwick, Kansas. Mom was 88 yrs young.

During her teen years, Mom worked as a “soda jerk” in her uncle’s small pharmacy where she aspired to be a pharmacist before she met and married her first husband. Over the next 12 years they had 6 children, which she raised almost single handedly, while he pursued his Navy career. As with most military families they moved from one duty station to another, until finally being stationed at NAS Whidbey Island in 1967. She met and married her second husband John (Jack) Haun in 1978 with whom she raised her youngest daughter. Jack was a wonderful husband to Mom.

Achsah worked at Melco Electronics as a Manager and Union shop representative for many years, where she found her voice for advocacy. With Jack’s encouragement, Mom retired from Melco and they settled into a long, peaceful and happy/productive retirement on their small farm in Oak Harbor. They were married for 27 years until Jack’s passing in 2005. They would have celebrated 46 years together in March.

Mom was known for her beautiful sewing skills and was often asked to create costumes or other outfits/items by family and friends which she joyfully did. Mom was a beautiful, strong, independent and determined woman. She enjoyed spending time alone but also cherished her time with her children and grandchildren, as well as sewing, and reading.

Mom was most proud of her children and their accomplishments. Over the past 40+ years, each of her children earned their college degrees, have had successful and productive careers, and raised strong independent families of their own. She was the true matriarch of the family and is dearly missed.

Achsah was a member of the American Legion George Morris Post 0129 Ladies Auxiliary, Forty and Eight and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary (Oak Harbor) where she was Chaplin for many years. Achsah also filled in for others (pro tempore) in other offices at the Legion and Forty and Eight when necessary. She was a dedicated volunteer at Hillcrest Elementary School after her retirement, where she spent many hours reading to the children and encouraging them to embrace learning and a love for reading themselves.

Mom is survived by her six (6) adult children: Valerie Valls [John] of Jacksonville, FL; Pam Merrill of Oak Harbor; WA, Ronald Owens of Midway, GA; Paula Conner [John] of Georgetown, DE; Terry D. Owens Jr. of North Carolina; and Rebecca Owens [Greg Eisnaugle] of Tacoma, WA; and two (2) step-sons – Mike Haun [Debbie], and Phillip Haun [Susan] all of Oak Harbor, WA. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and over 20 great grandchildren. Mom was preceded in death by her second husband and soul mate Jack Haun, her mother, father, and four (4) siblings (Harry, Mary, Ruby and Fred) and many dear friends.

Mom requested a private family interment ceremony, but we will be arranging a celebration of life for her on her 89th birthday. Please join us to remember our Mother and to share your fond memories of her and celebrate the loving and caring woman she was. A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the American Legion in Oak Harbor, WA between the hours of 2:00 and 4:00. In Lieu of flowers, mom would ask you to please make a donation to your favorite charity.