Candi Jean (LaHatt) Mason passed away unexpectedly and peacefully in her home on Feb. 3, 2024, in Kennewick, Washington. She was born January 27, 1958, to Robert (Bob) Url LaHatt and Betty Jo (Trosper) LaHatt in Spokane, Washington. The family lived in Richland until 1961 and then moved to Prosser, where Bob and Betty operated LaHatt Fine Jewelry for 35 years.

Candi was co-captain of the Prosser High School Drill Team and graduated from PHS in 1976. She married Ray Russell "Rusty" Burnett on July 16, 1977, and they began raising their three children in Prosser. Candi attended cosmetology school in Sunnyside, WA, and was a hair stylist at a small Prosser salon. After they divorced in 1985, Candi moved to Spokane and later remarried. She once owned a deli and catering business in Spokane, and later worked in a variety of retail positions, making friends along the way. She began working at Home Depot in Spokane and later transferred to the Richland store, working for 17 years with the company. For the past eight years, Candi worked at Yoke's Fresh Market in Pasco, most recently as front-end manager. Her children said she talked about people at work like they were "a big family."

Candi never missed an opportunity to dance and was known to unexpectedly break out singing the bologna song at her check stand. She even roused her customers to get involved in the singing and dancing. Customers and fellow employees have shared what she meant to them and how much they will miss her infectious smile and laugh, and her loving personality. She and her coworkers loved to sing and dance together to "Put the Lime in the Coconut" song.

Candi loved the beach, hiking, the outdoors, and nature; she had a healthy obsession with TikTok videos that showed herbal remedies and often spammed her family with them. She often commented that all she wanted was her own little house with enough land to grow her own garden and make tinctures to keep her family healthy; her family called her their "little Jesus-lovin,' peace-lovin,' hippie chick." Her children and grandchildren shared that she was always "up for anything," and enjoyed going on day trips anywhere and everywhere they wanted to go.

Candi's children and grandchildren were truly her pride and joy. She was immensely proud of her son, Jeston and his family and their outboard, and most recently, inboard, hydroplane racing. She was excited to cheer him on at his first year at the Tri-City Water Follies last summer. Her children cherished the time spent with her. Daughter Melissa shared that last February, she received an unexpected bonus at work. She, her mom, and children rented a house and spent a week at the Oregon Coast together in May. "It was so incredible to have her to ourselves for an entire week," Melissa said. They had tickets to attend the TobyMac concert together, but unfortunately Candi passed a week and a half before the event. "She had even better seats than we did, and I know she was there with us in spirit," said Melissa. Daughter Kelsey and Candi made memories while floating or kayaking (Candi aboard the "SS Nana") on the Columbia River. The two also shared a special time together when they traveled to see Lauren Daigle, one of Candi's favorite artists, in Spokane last November.

Candi had a truly special relationship with her grandchildren, who look forward to sharing favorite stories and sentiments during her celebration of life.

Candi walked and talked the Christian life; she encouraged others, prayed for them, and shared the hope and love of Christ with them. She was giving and compassionate, as multitudes of friends have shared since her passing. Candi kept her eyes focused on the Lord, even when daily life became difficult. She believed what Lauren Daigle sings in "You Say:" "You say I am loved when I can't feel a thing,

You say I am strong when I think I am weak. You say I am held when I am falling short. When I don't belong, oh, You say I am Yours. And I believe, oh, I believe, What You say of me. I believe."

Candi was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Betty LaHatt, and by former husband and lifelong friend, Rusty Burnett.

Survivors include her children Melissa (Burnett) Driesen of Kennewick, WA, Jeston (Kelly) Burnett of Spokane, WA, and Kelsey Magill of Kennewick, WA; her adoring grandchildren Colton Underwood, Cayleigh Driesen, Ryan Driesen, Andrew Strawn, Gauge Burnett, Makiyah (Tyler) Hyde, Mikynzi Aylesworth, and "bonus" grandchildren Tyson (Marneye) Driesen and Toni Driesen; brother Michael LaHatt and sister-in-law Vickie LaHatt of Cottage Grove, Oregon; numerous brother- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life service will take place at Life Church 7, 1110 Stevens Drive, Richland, WA from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 9. Light snacks will be provided by her Yokes Family