Hazel Ida Matthews

Hazel Ida Ausmus was born on September 30, 1930, in Monroe, Michigan. She was one of six children born to the union of William Homer Ausmus and Hilda (Russeau) Ausmus.

On July 14, 1947, in Monroe, she married the love of her life, Russell Edward Matthews Jr. Together the couple was blessed with two sons and a daughter. To help provide for her family, Hazel assisted at the Matthews and Sons Fishery in Bolles Harbor for many years. However, her responsibilities as homemaker were what made her the proudest. A devoted mother and wonderful grandmother, Hazel cherished the time she spent with loved ones the most. She painstakingly worked to provide a safe home where everyone felt loved and cared for. The couple shared nearly sixty-four years of marriage before his passing on March 22, 2011.

Although Hazel was a homebody, each week she took turns with friends to host their own Bunko Club. She thoroughly enjoyed this interaction and the friendly competition that ensued. She enjoyed the opportunity to be at one with nature, often spending time working in her yard and caring for her petunias and begonias. Hazel loved listening to country music, especially the Zac Brown Band. Gifted with her hands, she liked to crochet, always making sure everyone was provided a homemade afghan. When she sat still long enough to relax, it was usually to her favorite television show, "Reba".

Hazel Ida Matthews, age 94 of LaSalle, Michigan passed away at home on Monday; August 4, 2025, in the comfort of her family and under the care of Beacon Hospice. Her passing was preceded by her parents: William and Hilda Ausmus; her husband: Russell E. Matthews Jr.; two sisters: Donna Cheap; and her infant sister: Leafy; three brothers: Kenneth, Homer, and James Ausmus; and three grandchildren: Brian and Kevin Blessman and Brandi Matthews.

To cherish Hazel's memory, she leaves three children: Jack (Linda) Matthews of LaSalle, Russell "Bud" (Robin) Matthews, III of Monroe, and Sharon (Donald) Gary of Muskegon, Michigan; five grandchildren: Jack (Jenny) Blessman of Twin Lake, Michigan, Nichole (Brad) Bass of Monroe, Paul Matthews of Perrysburg, Ohio, Amber (Tony) Benardo of Toledo, Ohio, and Jacob Matthews of LaSalle; seventeen great grandchildren: Jess, Matt, Tasha, Josh, Owen, Kaitlyn, Nathan, Dylan, Alexandria, Ethan, Sophia, Holden, Jackson, Gabby, David, Aiden, and Brooklynne; twelve great-great grandchildren: Abby, Zach, McKenzie, Bryson, Aubrey, Landon, Gabrielle, Carter, Hazel Ida, Keny, Mason, and Rhianna; and several nieces and nephews.

Friends may gather from 10:00am until 2:00pm on Monday; August 11, 2025, at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Hazel's Life will begin at 2:00pm also at Merkle's with Tom Carr officiating. A procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

The family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to St. Therese IHM Rehab Care and especially to Rosie for their excellent care during Hazel's stay and a heartfelt thank you to Amy and Shaenna from Beacon Hospice for the love that was shown the past few weeks.

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