Hazel Julia Griffith

Hazel Julia (Gustafson) Griffith went to be with her Lord and Savior on 9 July, 2013. Hazel was born to Swedish immigrants, Carl John and Emma Vera (Svenson) Gustafson on September 20, 1922 in Evansville, Minnesota. She was the 6th child of eight and the second daughter. Within a few years, due to her father's ailing health, they relocated to the Spokane, Washington area where all nine of them (2 adults and 7 children) lived in a small apartment until her father settled on the area 8 miles south of Spokane called Moran Prairie. They rented a house there until her parents, in 1926, were able to purchase a home of their own. Her father was a farmer and a carpenter who loved music, especially the strings. He was also one of the hundreds of men who worked on the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam during the Great Depression. Her mother was a housekeeper and care taker of their growing brood of children. Hazel learned to cook, clean, sew, can vegetables and fruit, embroider and garden from her mother, whom she loved and admired greatly. By all accounts they were a very close knit and happy family who valued hard work and lived by Christian values. Hazel attended Lewis & Clark High School in Spokane and at the age of 19 married Raymond Franklin Griffith who would eventually become an ordained minister with the Church of the Nazarene. As a teenager, her older sister, Edna and she would lead the worship service at the Moran Prairie Methodist Church. Hazel lead the music and Edna gave the sermon. Ray and Hazel married in that little Methodist Church and soon after began their family in the Spokane area. While Ray attended college at Eastern Washington University, Hazel worked to help support them. All four of their children, David, Ron, Larry and Sandi (Pannell) were born in Spokane. Ray and Hazel pastored at the Nazarene Churches in Cheney ,Ritzville, Zillah, Spokane,Wenatchee,Fairbanks and Seward before they retired in Wenatchee to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law. In the summers, for many years, they would return to Alaska to work in the fish canneries as supervisors. They were loved and respected by the people they worked with and maintained many strong relationships over the years. Hazel was always very active in the church and ministered to many new Christians as they began their relationships with the Lord. She was a guiding influence on her family as well and taught them the importance of a close relationship with God. Hazel believed in the power of prayer and if she knew of your need you could always rest assured that you would be remembered in her daily worship. She loved summer revival services and the old hymns that would be sung at those "camp meetings". She had a lovely alto voice and sang each hymn with strong conviction. She encouraged her children in music as well and each one learned a different instrument. When they were young, the kids would give performances for their parents on Saturday nights, all playing their instruments in an ensemble. Hazel was most proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She appreciated each of her kids for their individual talents and gifts and took great joy in listening to the happenings of their lives. She seemed most happy when her family was around her. Holidays were filled with laughter, memories, great food and an appreciation of what it meant to be part of a loving family. Hazel was an excellent cook and always made certain to prepare your favorite meal or dessert if she knew you would be visiting. In her later years, she enjoyed her close friends and having lunch at the Senior Center in Wenatchee with her friend Ruth. Hazel's sweet spirit, kindness and generosity have impacted countless people over the years. She will be greatly missed by all that loved her. Hazel is survived by her four children, 10 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, & 1 great,great grandchild. A celebration of Hazel's life will be held at the Wenatchee First Church of the Nazarene on August 10, 2013, 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made the Wenatchee Nazarene Youth Group. Special thanks to Central Washington Hospital, Hospice, Hodgson's Home Care 1010 Washington St, Wenatchee and Heritage Memorial Chapel. You are invited to visit her tribute online and leave a message for the family at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Hazel Julia Griffith

September 20, 1922 - July 9, 2013