Obituary of Hailey Michelle Brush Ernest

Hailey Michelle Brush Ernest, 35, died on September 16, 2018, in a motorcycle accident in Oregon.  She left us far too soon, leaving behind three young children.   

Hailey was born in Boise, Idaho on October 1, 1982, to Michael and Cheryl Brush, joining her sister Kristin.   She grew up in Boise, attended McMillan and Summerwind elementary schools,  and Lowell Scott Jr. High.  She graduated from Centennial High School before studying at Boise State University.   During her youth, she was an active member of the Cathedral of the Rockies, participating in youth choirs and youth groups.  It was through these activities that she traveled to perform and participate in missions for the poor.  She also participated in various activities with the YMCA, Girl Scouts, and Meridian schools. 

She shared her children with former fiancé Matt Judd and ex-husband, Tyler Ernest.  While these relationships ended, their friendships and relationships with their extended families did not. 

Of all that Hailey loved in life, she loved her children most of all—Tristan Judd (13), Cameron Ernest (9) and Paitynn Ernest (5).  She loved them deeply and they her.  Tristan described her as so much fun, Cameron called her pretty and her sweet girl Paitynn said she is silly—she was that and more. 

A study in contradictions, she was fiercely independent, yet hated to be alone—strong but vulnerable—a comforter in need of comfort—impulsive but persistent—full of laughter and tears—always testing the limits and living life to the fullest.  She worked hard and played hard and did her best to make life better for those around her.  She was funny, loyal, caring and adventurous.  She always saw the good in people and her amazing capacity to love and to forgive kept her circle of friends growing.  She was happiest spending time with her children, and fishing, camping, and gathering with family and friends.  Her last days were spent with her boyfriend Jacob La Peilbet who made her very happy. 

Hailey is survived by her children, Tristan, Cameron and Paitynn, her boyfriend Jake, her mother and father, Mike and Cheryl, sister Kristin McGee and her nieces Maddie and Abbey, maternal grandmother Mary Ann Plummer and numerous aunts and uncles—Harvey and Lynn Plummer, Kathy and Doug Parker, Beckie and Mike Holzmer, Bevin and Denice Brush and Greg Brush.  She is also survived by her cousins Justin Plummer, Karri Plummer, Leandra Cisneros, John Parker, Kelly Parker and their spouses and children.  She also leaves behind a large group of friends who have been like family to her. Her paternal grandparents Bruce and Darlene Brush, her maternal grandfather Harvey Plummer and an infant brother Brandon Michael welcomed her to heaven. 

A celebration of her life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at the home of her long-time friend and her husband Liz and Kelly Martin, 9296 Chelan Avenue, Garden City, Idaho.   Memorials for Hailey may be made to the Ada County Boys and Girls Club. 

Hailey, your star burned so bright you were not meant to stay for long. We will love you always and miss you until we join you on the other side.