Hazel Harris' Obituary
Hazel was born on September 4, 1931 in Schneider’s Prairie, Washington to Rachel (Joy) and Herbert Jenkins. Hazel loved homemaking and she earned many 4-H blue ribbons for her canning and sewing. In high school, she was in Latin club and music club as well as a Thurston County princess in the Maytown Parade. Her hobbies later in life were cake decorating and sewing. Hazel graduated from Olympia High School in 1949. She then earned her Associates in Arts at Centralia Junior College 1951. Her degree and career were in accounting which she enjoyed very much.
Hazel married James E. Welch after graduation and they had three children: Linda, Kathy, and Tom. In 1969, she married Dick Harris and moved from Bellevue to Tacoma. Dick had three boys: Danny, David, and Ted. With this wonderful union the family enlarged to eight. She lived in Washington all of her life. Hazel lived in north Tacoma near Pt. Defiance for over 40 years. In July 2009, she moved to an apartment at Colonial Inn in Olympia where she made many new and dear friends. Hazel’s faith in God and her trust in Jesus never failed to give her hope in spite of the many painful challenges in her life.
In late January, Hazel moved to her daughter Linda’s home where she received special care for her declining health. She touched the lives of many who came to care for her and never lost her sense of humor or her grace. On Sunday, November 5, as Hazel slept she stepped peacefully into heaven. Hazel is survived by her children and their families: Linda and Ken Coate, Kathy and Richard Howell, Thomas and Johnna Welch, Dave and Char Harris, her sister Lucille Nesbit, her brother Ken Jenkins and wife Carol; 14 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren; the father and the mothers of her grandchildren: Steve, Diane, Cindy, and Shari; as well as her Uncle ‘Benny’ Joy and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Hazel is known for her beautiful smile, her unfailing love of family and her sweet nature. She leaves a rich legacy of faith, grace, and love.
What’s your fondest memory of Hazel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Hazel?
Share a story where Hazel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Hazel you’ll never forget.
How did Hazel make you smile?