Hazel Ralph

RALPH, Hazel Nadine Carroll February 9, 1926 - August 31, 2010 Hazel was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Homer Denver and Lola Mae Carroll. She was the third of six children. After graduating from Hutchinson High School she enrolled in business school. During WWII, she joined the Harvey Girls and traveled to Needles, CA to perform her patriotic duty of serving meals to GIs who were traveling on troop trains. After returning home, she met a young sailor who was on leave. Several months later, Robert Ralph and Hazel Carroll were married on May 4th, 1946 in Hutchinson, KS. Together they raised four children: Michael Ralph (Terry) Omaha, NE, Mark Ralph (Beth) Bellwood, NE, Susan Rasmussen (Rich) Harrison, ID, and Nancy Nicholas (Steve) Spokane, WA. Hazel was a devoted wife and mother. She relished her role as grandmother to her eight grandchildren: Jason Parker (Stacy), Joseph Parker (Molly), Jeffrey Parker, Abby Busler (Zach), Elizabeth Lash (Chuck), Joshua Nicholas, Susanne Wadkins (Dan) and RachaelNicholas. In addition, Hazel was blessed with seven great-grandchildren. Bob and Hazel moved from Hutchinson, KS to Hastings, NE where they raised their children. In 1991, they moved to Spokane, WA. Throughout Hazel's life she was involved in many activities and volunteer work. She loved to sew, cook, garden and entertain friends and family. She was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary in Hastings and enjoyed her good friends from bridge, birthday and sewing clubs. In Spokane, she was on the planning committee for VOA's "I Remember Mama" annual Mother's Day luncheon and an active member in Chapter E, P.E.O. She always enjoyed watching Nebraska football and Gonzaga basketball. Hazel was a loving wife to Bob for 64 years and an affectionate mother and Grammy. She was preceded in death by husband Bob, in April, 2010. Our mom left this world surrounded by love and admiration from friends and family. We are grateful for her endless loyalty and zest for life. A Memorial Service will be held in honor of Hazel's life on Saturday, September 25, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Three Companions on the Gonzaga Prep campus, 1224 E. Euclid, Spokane, WA. A reception will follow in the student center. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to Chapter E, P.E.O., Sue Brown (Treasurer) 1819 E. 42nd, Spokane, WA 99203; Hospice House of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur St., 99202; Volunteers of America, 1227 W. 6th Ave., 99204.