Hazel Ruth Smathers (Cannon)

Hazel Ruth (Cannon) Smathers, one of Wyoming's first woman mayors and former publisher of the Douglas Mirror, passed away on May 10, 2013, in San Francisco, Calif. She was 81.

Elected mayor of Douglas in 1980, she led reform of the town's budget process and built a statewide reputation for her tireless efforts to promote community dialogue and create civic improvements.

Hazel launched the Douglas Mirror in the 1970s, calling it a "rambunctious" daily newspaper alternative to the established town newspaper. She served as editor and publisher for the Mirror's run of almost 20 years, also writing stories and selling ads to provide an independent perspective on the town's news.

The way she lived her life reflects how she described herself in her biography: "Someone who likes new adventures and the joys of working with others to accomplish improved communications and understanding of the riches of life."

An award-winning photographer, she operated photo studios in Douglas and Lusk during the 1950s and 1960s with her husband, Lee "Short" Smathers, a mechanical engineer and former Douglas High School star football center, whose work appeared in LIFE magazine.

Hazel's leadership in the community included serving as president of the Sunrise chapter of Toastmasters in Fort Collins, Colo., where she was the chapter's Toastmaster of the Year and an area governor of Toastmasters International. She was a member and leader in both 4-H and Girl Scouts, was an honorary Future Farmer of America member and received a service award from the Douglas Area Chamber of Commerce.

She won national music competitions as a clarinet soloist, representing Wyoming across the country. At Douglas High School, she sat first chair in bands at the local, district and state levels before graduating in 1949. She also sat first chair for the Northwestern State regional band in Portland, Ore. She later performed professionally with the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and played with community groups, including marching bands in Casper, Jackson Hole and Loveland, Colo.

Hazel studied business, journalism and music at the University of Wyoming. She later focused on photography and earned licenses as an insurance agent and financial advisor.

An entrepreneur throughout her life, she pursued a wide range of business interests, including publishing a weekly shopper, advertising, health care and manufacturing miniature branding irons.

Hazel was a devout Christian Scientist. Her spiritual writings appeared in numerous church publications, and she served in positions at various levels within the church. During the past decade, she was a health care provider at a Christian Science group home for adults with learning disabilities, a Christian Science practitioner and a reader in the church, and she was appointed to the Assistant Committee on Publication for the First Church of Christ Scientist in Visalia, Calif. She also taught Sunday school.

Hazel was born in Lost Springs on June 3, 1931, to Viola (Gandee) and Oliver Cannon. Her education began in a one-room schoolhouse. Early years were spent on the family homestead established by her grandparents, who came from Indiana by train in the late 1800s. In 1941, the family sold their farm and moved to Douglas, where she completed fifth through 12th grades. She was proud of her wonderful memories of growing up in Douglas and remained close to friends from her youth.

In addition to Lost Springs and Douglas, Hazel lived in Laramie, Rawlins, Jackson Hole, Glenrock, Fort Collins and Vail, Colo., and the Central and Silicon Valleys of California.

She was residing and working full time in Campbell, Calif., when she passed away.

Hazel's indomitable western pioneer spirit and lifelong passion for learning earned her accolades and inspired friends, family and colleagues. Renowned for her strength, style, boundless energy, iron will and fierce independence, her family also knew her as smart, funny, charismatic and "bright as the sun." A loving and beautiful woman of unshakeable faith, she cared deeply for her family, community and church. She worked hard and laughed from the soul.

Hazel was a caring daughter, true sister and devoted wife. With her husband, she reared three amazing children and loved their grandchildren for exactly who they were.

She was conscious each day of living life to its fullest, improving the world around her, and believing that "God is with us every step of the way."

Hazel was preceded in death by her mother, father and husband, as well as her older brother James, who was killed in action during the Battle of Okinawa in World War II.

She is survived by her younger sister Grace Cannon Johnston; daughters Soni Smathers Meckem and Cindy Smathers Schneider; son Lee "Jigger" Smathers; six grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.