Patsy Hazelbaker

How does one describe someone's life when it was so long? I suppose it is best to start at the beginning.

Patsy Hazelbaker was born to Charles Woodrow "Chuck" and Edna Pearl "Pearl" Albaugh in Johnston City, Ill., on Jan. 18, 1935. She was the second of their three children. Pearl was diagnosed with tuberculosis when Patsy was eight years old. Doctors recommended that the family move to a drier climate for Pearl's health and that is how the family left the Midwest and ultimately settled in Albuquerque, N.M. Sadly, Pearl succumbed to her disease when Patsy was only 12 years old, but the family remained in New Mexico where Patsy and her sister and brother were raised by their father and both grandmothers.

Patsy graduated from high school in 1953 and soon after met and married Richard Hazelbaker, a sailor from Kooskia who was stationed in New Mexico. Throughout Richard's service as a Seabee, Patsy was a devoted U.S. Navy wife, keeping the home fires burning and raising the children. When Richard retired from the Navy after 30 years of service, the couple settled in Grangeville where the two youngest children attended school until graduation. The two older girls had already graduated, and one was married and living in Illinois. The couple enjoyed 49 years together until Richard's passing in 2003.

Patsy and Richard were active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary, the Eagles, and bowling. Patsy served as Eagle Mother to Julie Bentley in 2007-2008 and held numerous positions within the VFW Auxiliary and bowling league. They traveled to many bowling tournaments, but Patsy's favorites were always the ones held in Reno. Hmm...could it be those one-armed bandits were beckoning to her? That is highly likely. She remained active in those organizations even after Richard passed away but eventually moved to Lewiston to escape from the snow belt into the banana belt. It was no secret that she had always wanted to live in Lewiston for the multiple shopping opportunities. She loved to shop, and her closet was a testament to her good taste and style.

She continued all her activities until her health prevented her from being out and about. However, she continued her meticulous housekeeping until just a few weeks before she passed away. It drove her crazy that she couldn't vacuum and dust anymore. She'd always kept her house immaculate.

Patsy's health declined rapidly after she suffered a fall that resulted in a couple of broken ribs. She passed away peacefully at home Friday, Sept. 12, 2025, at the age of 90 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard in 2003; her daughter, Avis, in 2020; her daughter, Rhonda, in 2022; and her son, Leonard, in 2023. Also, her parents, grandparents, sister, Betty and brother, Charlie. She is survived by her daughter, Denise (Don) Sampo, of Lewiston; her sister-in-law, Margaret of Albuquerque; nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Per Patsy's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be planned for a later date.

The family would like to thank Elite Home Health and Hospice, Serengeti Care, Blackmer Funeral Home and the medical professionals that took care of Patsy over the last several years.

Patsy has asked that any donations be made to the VFW Auxiliary 10043 at 1104 Warner Ave., Lewiston, ID 83501, to support their continued work with veterans and their families.