Hazel L. Ayers

Hazel L. Ayers, 87 of Hamilton passed away September 14, 2013 at her home in Hamilton.
She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Nola Cox Chadwick; her brother, Elmer Chadwick; her sister, Ruby Mauler; and her husband of 63 years, Joseph C. Ayers.
Hazel was born April 4, 1926 in Jacksboro, Tennessee where she attended local schools. She met the love of her life when she was ten. Hazel and Joe were married on January 23, 1946 in Jacksboro, Campbell County, Tennessee. They were honored by their three daughters when they were escorted by them on a cruise to Alaska in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary in July of 1996.
Hazel was a wonderful cook and seamstress. She loved spending hours tending her flower beds. For more than twenty years Hazel and Joe spent every available moment at their beloved East Fork cabin, where they entertained many friends and family members to a game of pinochle, fish fries, big game hunting, fly fishing and opening day of grouse season. Hazel served as a democratic precinct judge in Hamilton for twenty years.
Hazel and Joe were blessed with three daughters, Jan, Joy and Nancy during the 1950's. As their family grew they welcomed two grandsons and four great grandchildren. Her grandsons, Clay and Zach were the "Apples of her eye." Hazel made quick friends with everyone she met and "never met a stranger." She was a life-long "Griz" fan. Hazel was a beautiful and charming "Southern Belle" who possessed a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her as mother, wife, grandmothers, friend, aunt and neighbor. Hazel adopted her beloved Bitterroot Valley as her home on February 14, 1946. She will be laid to rest beside Joe at the Riverview Cemetery where she will remain in the valley forever.
Hazel is survived by daughters, Jan (Dale)Blankers, Joy (Arnie) Storrud, Nancy (Clay) Pasternak; grandsons, Clay (Tonia) Storrud and Zach (Daniela) Storrud; grandchildren, Kaileigh Storrud, Jace Storrud, Isabelle Garcia and Sophia Storrud.
Honorary pallbearers are sons-in-law, Dale Blankers, Arnie Storrud and Clay Pasternak; grandsons, Clay Storrud and Zach Storrud; nephew, Carter Allen and great nephew, John Kelly Ayers.
Memorials in Hazel's name can be made to the Bitterroot Church of the Nazarene, P.O. Box 360, Victor, MT 59875.