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Hazel Plumer passed away on Nov. 8, 2023, in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 94. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband David Plumer and by the love of her life, Lloyd Ward. Hazel was born in Miami, Arizona, on Feb. 7, 1929, to Olive and Samoa Williams. Hazel was one of five children. Hazel met and married her love, Lloyd Ward. Together they had four children: Nancy (George) McBride, Sandra (Robert) Trevillyan, Darwin (Diane) Ward and William (Mona) Ward. Hazel and Lloyd made their home in Central Heights, Arizona, where they raised their children and remained for 40-plus years. Hazel and Lloyd shared 12 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.
Nothing brought Hazel greater joy than being home and raising her family. She always knew she wanted to be a wife and mother; this was truly her greatest passion. Hazel took pride in keeping her house tidy, washing laundry and hanging it out back to dry, and always ensuring her family had a hot meal served at the table. Hazel’s greatest pride was her family and the home life she provided.
Hazel enjoyed the simple things in life but also made sure to keep herself busy. Hazel had several jobs around town once her children were grown. Hazel was a store clerk at the vitamin shop in downtown Globe and was also a cashier at the Copper Hills gift shop. Hazel enjoyed visiting with friends who stopped in and meeting new people passing through town.
Hazel was not only an amazing mother, but she was also an amazing grandmother. Hazel had a way of making sure that each of her four children and all 34 grandchildren felt special and loved. Hazel showed each one of them how to slow down and play. She loved reading books to her grandchildren, taking them on walks, showing them how to explore, and truly just enjoying the time spent together. Hazel loved to play card games, skipbo becoming a quick favorite, and she loved conversations around the dining room table. Hazel never missed a birthday. Even today, in her 2023 calendar is the shaky name of every child, grandchild and their spouses. The names are placed with the intention of a call being made to them, singing them each their own special birthday song.
Hazel loved Jesus and spent many years attending the Central Heights Baptist Church. Hazel often played the organ/piano as the congregation sang beautiful hymns. Hazel was a Sunday school teacher for many years. The day she accepted Christ in her life, she knew she wanted to spread God’s love and good word. Hazel lived proudly by the words that she shared, always demonstrating patience, love for others, grace and forgiveness. Hazel truly loved all people. In the rare instance Hazel was crossed, she did not let the person damage her spirit. Instead, she prayed for them.
Hazel was a wonderful wife, a loving and patient mother, adoring grandmother, aunt, sister and friend to everyone. She was not only our grandma, she was everyone’s grandma, and she loved it that way.
May Grandma Ward fly away into the loving arms of Jesus and be reunited with her loving husband, Lloyd.
Services will be held at the Central Heights Baptist Church Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Viewing will be at 10 a.m. and services will start at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Mountain Breeze Memorial Gardens.
Family is being assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Services Globe.
