Obituary: Secrest, Hazel Annie
Age 93
Hazel was born February 20, 1921 to Elmer and Florence Horton in Adrian, WA where Elmer worked in the railroad round house.
Hazel was the eldest of seven siblings.
Her early childhood memories included Elmer farming potatoes in White Bluffs, swimming in the Columbia River, attending school in Hanford and moving to Electric City soon after the Grand Coulee Dam project was started.
She graduated from Grand Coulee Hight School in 1938 and married Henry Ford Peace Secrest in 1939.
When WWII started they moved to Richmond, CA where they both worked on the construction of liberty ships.
Hazel was a riveter helper until their family was started.
When Hank was drafted near the end of WWII they moved back to Electric City.
While crossing the Columbia River at Biggs, the ferry Captain announced the A-bomb had been dropped on Hiroshima.
She has lived in Spokane and Spokane Valley since 1956.
Hazel is survived by her children: Del Secrest (Dwyllis), Marilyn Chapman and Kenneth Secrest (Mary); her grandchildren: Tim Chapman, Brad Secrest, Travis Chapman (Wendy), Todd Secrest (Julie), Mike Secrest (Lori) and Mark Secrest (Michelle); 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter; one sister-in-law, Fritzie Horton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Hank and all of her siblings: Marian Keller, Herb Horton, Art Horton, Dot Kelly, Dorie Palmer and Shirley Horton.
Hazel’s life was centered around her family and she was loved by all.
Our family would like to thank the caring staff at Hospice House.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur St., Spokane, WA 99202.
A Memorial Service will be held on June 14th at 1 PM at Heritage Chapel, followed by a reception.
Viewing will be held June 13th from 10 AM to 5 PM and June 14th from 8 AM to 1 PM.