Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk
View All Obituaries from Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
Hazel Eileen (Earick) Bush, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in the arms of her family.
Born at home to sharecroppers Riley and Amanda (Mulberg) Earick in Richland County, the fifth of six children; she was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
It was a close and loving family with her many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and a huge family reunion was held every summer.
As an adult she so loved spending time with her siblings. Robert and his wife Ruth, Mabel and her husband Loyal Hartman, Goldie and her husband Johnnie Frederick, Paul and his wife Margie, and her brother and best friend, LeeRoy, with whom she spent many happy childhood days catching fish, frogs and snakes; sometimes hunting with him at night.
Hazel walked a long way in all kinds of weather to reach her one-room school - and that was after she did all the morning chores; including milking cows. But she loved school and was a good student. Usually doing her homework in the evening by kerosene light when all her chores were done.
At 12 she lived in town with a woman who needed child care and housework help. That money paid for her school clothes. Hazel worked at Westinghouse in Mansfield during World War II, building parts for airplane radios and was very proud of her contributions to the war effort.
After the war she met and married a handsome Marine back from the war and they built a comfortable life together and raised 4 children. She taught herself to sew and thru the years created the most beautiful wardrobes for her daughters. During her marriage, she became proficient in many crafts; including ceramics, cake decorating, crocheting, macramé, baking, and piano (later organ). She also raised purebred toy poodles.
She was a very caring woman and friend. During that marriage she took care of her father-in-law for 9 years after his stroke. When her sister-in-law died Hazel cared for her 3 nephews for 3 years. Hazel and her husband were very involved in the church building fund for the new First Presbyterian Church being built in Norwalk.
Hazel and her husband ended their marriage after all the children were grown.
At age 57 she started over. For 10 years she delivered Meals on Wheels and also managed the Eagles kitchen on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday evenings. She was very proud of her volunteer involvement at Fisher-Titus Hospital for 30 years. She was President of the Eagles women‘s auxiliary in 1985. She was an active bowler and golfer until her sight began to fail. She was an excellent dancer and her eyes just sparkled when the music began to play. A wonderful hostess, she had many parties at her home.
She is survived by her beloved friend of 28 years, Calvin Snyder. She leaves behind 4 children grateful for her love and example. John (deceased wife Sue), Judith Gott Gassman (husband Jim), Linda Fauber (husband Tim) and Roger (wife Rose). She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 17 step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation is at 1:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home, 98 W. Main St. Norwalk, Ohio, on Saturday, March 4; with a celebration of her life to follow at 2:00 p.m.
The family respectfully requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be sent to the American Heart Association, 1689 E. 115th St. Cleveland, Ohio 44106-3903, or the American Stroke Association, P.O. Box 15210, Chicago, IL 60693.
Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com
