East Liverpool - Hazel Mae West, 77, passed away peacefully on Oct. 18, 2012, surrounded by her loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.
She was born on Dec. 16, 1934, in East Liverpool, the daughter of Raymond William and Olive Marie (Hughes) Rowlands. After graduation from East Liverpool High School in 1952, Hazel worked for Ohio Bell as a telephone operator and left the area in 1958 spending the next 20 years living in numerous places in the United States and around the world including Panama in Central America and Okinawa, Japan, with her children and former husband, US Army Command Sergeant Major William H. West.
Never one to just sit still, Hazel worked as an Executive Secretary at the State Department in the Pentagon during the early 1970's, and by the late 70's she relocated to Jefferson County, Ohio, where she followed her desire to help the less fortunate by working for the Department of Human Services. Hazel retired as an investigator for Children Services in 1996.
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Although she had many interests, her faith and family were her primary concern and she served as an Elder at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in East Liverpool. An accomplished recreational painter, she enjoyed reading, knitting, crocheting, Jeopardy and spending time with her family and friends. Hazel was an avid bridge player and a member of the Marathon Bridge Group, and enjoyed affiliation with the Ladies Eight Card Club, Edwardians Ladies Society as a charter member, Heritage Quilters Club, East Liverpool Art Association and past member of Daughters of America. She had served as Alumni Secretary of East Liverpool Class of '52.
Hazel leaves to celebrate her life three children" Deborah Collins of East Liverpool, Cynthia Miller (Steve Peshek) of North Jackson, and William "Bill" West of Austintown. Always the loving teacher and mentor, she will be greatly missed by her grandchildren: Michelle Collins of St. John, US Virgin Island, Michael Collins, John Collins, Blake West, Aaron West, Derick West, all of East Liverpool, Amanda Miller of North Jackson; and three great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, Hazel was preceded to heaven by her siblings Raymond Lloyd Rowlands and Ruth Jean Rowlands Adkins; and two grandchildren, Emily Ann West and Stephen Michael Moore.
Friends will be received from 3:30-7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, at the Calcutta Chapel of the Martin MacLean Altmeyer Funeral Homes and one hour prior to the service at the church.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in East Liverpool with the Rev. Tanta Luckhardt-Hendricks of the church officiating.
Her family would like to thank the entire staff of Hospice of Mahoning Valley for their compassion and love. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Mahoning Valley or Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.
Family and friends may view this obituary or send condolences online at www.altmeyer.com
