Hazel H. Blakely

Hazel Henrietta Blakely, nee Van Housen, passed peacefully from her mortal life on Friday, January 30, 2009 at her residence in Meridian, Idaho with her daughter and caregiver attending. Born on February 6, 1915 in Atkinson, Nebraska to John and Flora Van Housen, she was one of seven children. Moving with her family to Peetz, Colorado in 1920, she graduated from Peetz High School in 1931 and relocated to Denver, Colorado to attend secretarial school and begin her impressive career as an administrative secretary, retiring from a very commendable position with the State of Colorado Civil Defense Agency in the Office of Preparedness and Security. It was in Denver where she met and married the love of her life, Leon Edward Blakely, who predeceased her in 1993. Her favorite pastimes included cooking, bowling, playing pinochle, camping, fishing and seeking out wildlife and wildflowers. While a quiet mouse in her surroundings, she never missed a thing that was going on and was full of unconditional love for everyone. She is survived by her daughter, Judith K. Ross of Meridian, Idaho and her son Ronald L. Blakely of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Additional survivors are her grandson, David Scott Ross and his wife, Cynthia of Meridian, one remaining sister, Lucille Schwartz of North Bend, Oregon and numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3968 South Sheridan Boulevard, Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to services on Wednesday, 9:00 to 10:30 A.M., Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3101 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Lakewood, Colorado. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Colorado Wildlife Federation, 1410 Grant Street, #C311, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 987-0400, http://www.coloradowildlife.org/ or a charity of your choice.