Wednesday, January 8, 2020
Hazel had a unique distinction for my brother Duane and myself. Not only was she a wonderful old friend but she was the only person living who had known us all our lives. I'm 83 and Duane is 77. Harold Romaine was my dad Lysle's best friend growing up in West Liberty and Hazel knew my parents before they were married and they remained close friends all their lives. Trips to Harold and Hazel's house on Prairie Street in West Liberty for dinner and playing hearts were high spots in our early social life. Barbara taught me to dance, not very well but that was not her fault. I have been told to mention the chocolate chip cookies always available on Hazel's kitchen counter. I kept in touch with Hazel in later years by letter and my daughter Nellie and I and our partners saw her in April 2018. She was her old self. Sharp and quick. An old friend and a great lady.
Steve Sanger
Bellingham, Washington
