Hazel M. Miller

Hazel M. Miller Battle Creek Hazel M. Miller, 97, of Battle Creek died peacefully on Friday morning, May 22, 2009 at the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence. She was born in Battle Creek on December 25, 1911 the daughter of Sidney John and Susie (Miskimmon) Miller and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1930. Hazel faithfully served her country as a member of the United States Navy during WWII and retired from the United States Naval Reserves in 1971 as a Chief Yeoman with a total of 26½years of service. Hazel also retired from Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in 1971 after more than 31 years of service as a bookkeeper. She had previously been employed as a secretary at the Marshall Furnace Company for 10 years before joining Metropolitan Life. Hazel is survived by a niece, Linda (David) Kellogg of Battle Creek; 5 nephews, Louis (Pat) Miller and Michael (Marilyn) Miller, Danny Miller, all of Battle Creek, Jimmy Miller and David Miller; 10 great-nieces and nephews; and several great-great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, Neil J. Miller in 1938, Max A. Miller in 1972; and a sister, Grace A. Miller on June 28, 2004. Hazel served for many years as Secretary of the Navy League and was also a member of "WAVES" National Michigan Unit, the Metropolitan Veterans Association and was a former member of the American Red Cross, working as a Red Cross Nurses Aide during WWII before entering active duty with the U.S. Navy. She also served for many years with the BCHS Auxiliary and the former Community Hospital Auxiliary Nursery Guild, knitting many caps and booties for newborns and was secretary for many years. Hazel volunteered at the Willard Library "Local History Room", researching the many written Genealogical inquiries received by the librarian. She was a Life-member of the Calhoun County Genealogy Society and the Friends of the Library. Hazel's hobbies included genealogy, reading, knitting, crossword and jumble puzzles, antiques and traveling. She greatly enjoyed spending time with the family and particularly the small youngsters. At the request of the family, they will receive friends 4:00 6:00 p.m., Sunday, May 24, 2009 and 12:00 -1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 26, 2009 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home where funeral services to celebrate Hazel's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Willard Library "Local History Room", the Calhoun County Genealogy Society or the Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice Residence would be appreciated. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.