Hazel E. Reynolds

To know Hazel Reynolds was to love her as it was not only the door to her home that remained open for all to enter in, but the door to her heart as well. She always had plenty of sweet treats on hand for anyone who came for a visit, yet she never shied away from offering the gift of prayer for those who were in need. Hazel was a woman who learned to embrace both the easy and hard times in her life as not to worry was her favorite saying. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, but of even greater significance was the role she joyously accepted each and every day as the hands and feet of the God she loved. During a year in which the Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C. and the Teapot Dome Scandal was first coming under investigation, 1922 was an eventful year in the history of America. It was on November 19th of that same year that Paul and Rose (Walton) Garber were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Hazel, in Fremont, Ohio. Hazel joined older brother Frank in her family and was raised in Fremont throughout her formative years. When she was born her Grandma Garber exclaimed, She looks like the Indian girl, Peterly Sherrue, and from that day forward Hazels nickname was Pete. Her father was a tool and die maker while her mother stayed at home. Hazel could not say brother as a young girl so Frank simply became Buddy to Hazel throughout the rest of her life. Hazels brother taught her how to roller skate, ride a bike, and even made a bit of a tom-boy out of Hazel as he taught her how to climb trees and do other boy things. At times Buddy picked on his sister as brothers often do, which even included blowing up one of her baby dolls with a firecracker! Hazel was quite good at marbles and on one occasion, she beat a boy at school and took all his marbles. This boy didnt take so kindly to that and proceeded to beat Hazel up until Buddy stepped in. From that time on, he became her protector. As a young girl Hazels father traveled a lot but her mother was always at home for her children and to carry out the daily tasks of raising a family. Her mother taught Hazel the Bible and even as an adult, Hazel read her Bible daily. She attended local schools including Ross High School from which she later graduated. With her formal education behind her Hazel worked as a civilian clerk for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. She frequently went roller skating after work and the roller rink became the backdrop for a fateful introduction to a man with whom she would share an enduring love. While at the rink one day there was an announcement for ladies choice. A young man named Robert Reynolds came up and wanted to skate with Hazel even after she reminded him that is was indeed ladies choice. Robert paid no attention to this minor detail and proceeded to skate off with Hazel on his arm. After a whirlwind romance the couple was married on May 22, 1942. Robert was serving in the Air Force and was shipped out for Australia a short time after they exchanged their vows. Hazel then moved in with her parents in Lincoln Park, Michigan to await Roberts return. Once Bob was discharged in 1945 the couple moved to Kalamazoo where Hazel worked for the City of Kalamazoo and Bob drove a school bus. It wasnt long before they were blessed with the births of two sons, Richard and Ronald. Shortly thereafter their family moved to Grand Haven where they were initially members at Calvary Baptist Church until they transferred to the Grand Haven Church of God where she remained a member for the rest of her life. The Reynolds family fostered close relationships and enjoyed spending time together too. They often played baseball, croquet, and horseshoes, and they also took many night swims in Lake Michigan. Her boys always loved it when Hazel read them The Wizard of Oz on the front porch and when she needed her boys home from playing outdoors somewhere, she simply tied a note telling them so to their dog Sandys collar and then sent Sandy off to deliver the message. Bob traveled quite a bit for work and on one occasion while he was gone the boys broke a lamp which Hazel promptly glued back together to avoid them getting into trouble with their father. Although her family certainly held a prominent place in Hazels life, there was other ways in which she spent her time as well. She worked doing clerical work at Story & Clark Piano Company until it closed, Grand Haven High School, and her last job was at Shore Haven Nursing Home. After she retired she worked as a part-time secretary for her church. Hazel was an animal lover with between 20 and 30 finches and five parakeets. She also loved raising daisy dogs and gave them away for free. Hazel always had a small yet bountiful garden, a huge fish tank, and a beloved cat. As much as she enjoyed these many things throughout her life, nothing brought her greater joy than her family, especially her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Although those who knew Hazel Reynolds will miss her deviled eggs and various sweet treats, it will be her compassionate heart, her heart-felt wisdom, and her powerful prayers that will be so greatly cherished in her absence. Hazel never turned anyone down who needed help and enjoyed sharing her gift of music with others as she often played the piano both at home and at church. She possessed a profound faith and found great strength and comfort in the words found in her favorite verse from 2 Timothy 1:12 which says, I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded, that He is able, to keep that which I've committed unto Him against that day. Hazel will be dearly missed. Hazel E. Reynolds died on December 14, 2009. Hazels family includes her sons, Richard (Mary Lou) Reynolds and Ronald (Diane) Reynolds, both of Grand Haven; grandchildren, Robert (Tonya) Reynolds, Randall (Anjalyn) Reynolds, Krista (Ty) Davison, Sandra (Andrew) Tucker, Tim Reynolds, Elizabeth (Bill) MaCaffity, Mathew Reynolds; many great grandchildren as well as many finches, fishes, and her beloved cat, Puddy. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, and her brother, Frank Garber. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 18, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at Grand Haven Church of God with Bishop Don Turner officiating. Interment at Lakeshore Cemetery. Visit with Hazels family and friends on Thursday, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven, and on Friday for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.