May 9, 1955 – November 26, 2024 Julia Ruth Hickman Snowden Hasten, better known as Julie or Ms. Julie, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend; she went home to be with Jesus on November 26, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in Ardmore, after a courageous battle with congestive heart failure and multiple sclerosis. She was 69 years old. Born on May 9, 1955, in Dallas, TX, Julie was the daughter of Fred and Emerald Hickman of DeSoto, TX. She grew up in Grapevine, TX, and graduated from Lewisville High School in 1973. Julia married Mike Snowden on May 11, 1974, and the couple welcomed their first daughter, Tarrah, in August 1977. Julie nurtured Tarrah with boundless love and care, offering Tarrah the companionship and love she had always yearned for. Julie found a profound sense of fulfillment through this special bond, creating a nurturing environment filled with mutual affection and understanding. Julie often spoke of how blessed she felt to become a mother, a sentiment she carried forward when her second daughter, Rachel, was born in August 1990. Julie often described Rachel as a precious gift who arrived later in her life, bringing a sense of completion to her family. Their relationship was deeply special, as Julie saw Rachel not only as her youngest child but as an extraordinary blessing, she felt undeserving of, making their bond even more unique and cherished. Julie dedicated much of her professional life to caring for others, especially children and the elderly. She was a CNA and Activities Director at Buford Nursing Home in Davis. For many years, she was a preschool teacher at Faith Christian School in Sulphur. She was passionate about teaching children about Jesus. It was her mission to make each person she encountered feel deeply loved and valued. Her kind heart and nurturing spirit touched countless lives. In the summer of 1993, after an anguishing divorce, Julie made the bold decision to move to Sulphur, as a single mother of two daughters—15-year-old Tarrah and 2-year-old Rachel. She built a life centered on faith, love, and resilience in a town where she knew no one. Julie’s unwavering determination and hard work ensured her daughters grew up with a strong foundation of values, a love for all people, and a deep sense of compassion. She always said her daughters were her pride and joy. Julie found love again and remarried on August 3, 1997, to Donnie Hasten. Donnie was her friend, confidant, and steadfast helper throughout her life. Julie and Donnie shared a life rich in shared interests and a love for nature. They found joy in fishing and hunting, allowing them to explore and appreciate God’s creation together. Julie was a shining example of strength, kindness, and humility. Julie endured hardship throughout her years as she worked hard to provide for her daughters. She was frugal and made the best of many difficult situations. Julie’s faith was strong and unwavering even when facing opposition and ridicule. Her unshakable faith marked her life, her devotion to her family, and her joy in sharing God’s love with others. Julie’s passion for sharing God’s love extended to everyone she encountered—no one ever left a conversation with her without knowing that Jesus loved them. She was an ambassador for Christ throughout Sulphur. Spreading the love of Jesus, kindly listening to other’s stories, and offering prayer in the moment. She was a prayer warrior and lifted her family and others up daily. She is survived by her husband, Donnie Hasten, of Davis; her two daughters, Tarrah Avery and her husband Lee Avery of Madill, and Rachel Shanholtzer and her husband Justin Shanholtzer of Wynnewood; her grandchildren, Andrew and Kendall Neese, Brianna Neese, Katey Avery, Elissa and Tylor Yardy, Morgan Avery, Peyton Shanholtzer, Lincoln Shanholtzer, and Colton Shanholtzer, her siblings, Lewis Hickman, Rebecca Lutzer, Paul Hickman, Mary Weaverling, and Daniel Hickman as well as many extended family members and friends who cherished her dearly. Julie’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered as a woman of extraordinary grace and compassion.
Julie’s life will be celebrated at Crossway Church in Sulphur, at 11 a.m. on December 3, 2024. Graveside service at Buckhorn Cemetery in Sulphur, Oklahoma at 2:00 p.m.
