Chelsea K. Hams, 29, of Heppner, died Friday, May 24, 2024 at her home.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2024 at the Heppner Masonic Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Heppner Elks Lodge.

She was born in Hermiston on February 19, 1995, the daughter of Cheryl McBride and James "Jim" Hams. Chelsea was raised with Jim in Heppner and was his pride and joy. Chelsea attended school in Heppner, graduating from Heppner High School. Any chance she had to be with her dad, whether it was out on the tractor working with him or just having a simple lunch together, she was there with a smile on her face, ready to enjoy their special time together.

Chelsea had a unique relationship with her mom Cheryl and would always call her late into the night just to talk about her day and check in on her, ensuring they stayed close no matter the physical distance between them. Chelsea had 6 nieces and 5 nephews that she loved unconditionally as if they were her own, and any chance she got to come watch a game or meet up for the holidays she immediately took the opportunity and could be found playing with them or completely covered by the many arms wanting to give her hugs. She cherished her family and her time spent with them and she made a point to stay connected to everyone.

She may have been small in stature but her heart and love for those around her was bigger than life itself. She was always there to lend a hand to someone in need, would give of her time to help others and always had a hug to be shared. She enjoyed the simpler things in life over all the extra flashy thing most young women desire. One of her favorite things was horseback riding. She found solace in spending time with her beloved animals which she called her fur babies, being outside and working with her hands, learning lost arts like needlepoint and sourdough baking, and a love for older items and things others could overlook. Chelsea had a fierce and free spirit, was resilient and had an inner strength that was so beautiful and inspiring.

Survivors include her father, Jim Hams, her mother, Cheryl McBride, and her 3 sisters, Danielle Strickland, Deanna Sample and Darcy Hart, aunt Sharon Ball, uncle Robby and aunt Lorna Botefuhr, uncle Elwin and aunt Patti Gibson, her cousins, Jeff Botefuhr and Justin Botefuhr, Brian Gibson and Phyllis Coates, 11 nieces and nephews and many second and third cousins, and many friends both young and old.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heppner Elks Lodge, PO Box 494, Heppner, OR 97836 or Eastern Oregon Humane Society and Pet Rescue, 1844 NW Geer Rd., Hermiston, OR 97838.