Crystal Lee Hale

Crystal Lee Hale, 45, of Odessa, Texas, passed away leaving behind a legacy of laughter, strength, and love. Born on June 12, 1979, to Thomas Lee Salmon II and Donna Marie Gray, Crystal lived a life marked by vibrant energy and a personality as bold as it was beautiful.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Hale II, and their four children: Tanner Ruiz, Kambri Hale, Michael Hale III, and Annalee Hale. Her spirit also lives on in her cherished granddaughter, Kaylinn Marie Maestas, who brought her immense pride and joy.

Crystal was known for being unpretentious and having unapologetic love for the little things that made her happy: her home décor, the sound of her wind-chimes, her ever-present Dr. Pepper, and her beloved dogs. She had an edge and a fire that made her unforgettable. Described by her daughter Kambri as a “G", Crystal was "crazy, kind, nurturing, and funny.”

She was the emotional center of her home; as her son Mikey said, “the household followed her mood.” He recalls seeing only the good in her growing up, a testament to the deep love and admiration her children felt. To Anna, she was a source of private joy and quirky adventures—from shared meals to silly moments like wrestling matches in parking garages. And to her son Tanner, there was never a doubt that his mother loved him deeply— her affection came through in countless ways, not least of which were the home-cooked meals he always enjoyed and remembered.

But Crystal’s story is also a stark reminder of the darkness that can come with addiction. Her daughter said it best: “She was a great and amazing person… she just lost the battle.” Addiction is a disease that takes hold quietly and grips tightly, often masking the light of even the brightest souls. It steals years, relationships, health, and futures. It does not discriminate.

If you are struggling, know this: you are not alone, and there is no shame in asking for help. If you love someone who is battling addiction, do not wait to speak, to act, or to hope fiercely for their healing. Recovery is real, but it takes courage, community, and sometimes intervention. Let Crystal’s life be a reminder of the beauty that exists even in struggle—and a call to break the silence, seek help, and protect the light before it fades.

Crystal was so much more than her addiction. She was a daughter, a mother, a wife, a sister, a friend, an aunt, a grandmother, a warrior, and a light. And that light, though dimmed, was never lost. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.