Hazel Walter of Forsyth passed to heaven on December 1, 2023. She was 87.
Born Hazel Christine Peterson in Turner, Montana, on November 8, 1936, she was the second of Oliver and Karoline Peterson’s five daughters.
Oliver’s job as an educator took the family to several towns around Montana, including Miles City and Helena, before the family settled in Billings, where Hazel attended Billings Senior High School, graduating in 1954. In 1955 she enrolled at Montana State College in Bozeman, graduating on June 9, 1958, with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. She performed her clinical study at Billings Deaconess Hospital.
On November 30, 1958, Hazel married Harvey Walter, a young farmer she met on a blind date who became her loving husband and life partner for 61 years. Together they raised a family, built a successful farming business, and were active leaders in their community. Hazel and Harvey were dedicated to each other and made a great team, always taking care of and watching out for each other. They were just as in sync in life as they were taking a turn on the dance floor, a favorite pastime in their younger years. Hazel became a widow on January 5, 2020, when her beloved husband Harvey passed away.
They initially farmed west of Billings and near Custer. In 1964, Hazel and Harvey purchased a farm west of Forsyth on the banks of the Yellowstone River, where they grew sugar beets, corn, barley, and alfalfa. Over the next decades, they expanded the farm and operated a large cattle feedlot. Their family grew right along with the operation, with four daughters added to the farm’s workforce between 1960 and 1967. Hazel managed all the bookkeeping, was an excellent cook feeding the harvest crews, and helped with branding and vaccinating the calves, among other farm tasks. Hazel and Harvey prioritized family, faith, and farm. Hazel was a loving mother nurturing her daughters and guiding them as they grew. Hazel and Harvey were close to their families and hosted many family gatherings on the farm and family boating and camping weekends during the summers.
Hazel was a longtime devoted member of the Federated Church of Forsyth, was active in Montana Farm Bureau (receiving a state award for decades of distinguished service along with Harvey in 2010), served on the Rosebud County Library Board throughout the 1980s and ’90s, and participated in Rosebud-Treasure County Homemakers and later Forsyth Women’s Club for many years. She was also a 4-H leader, a Rainbow Girls advisor, and delivered the ABC farm safety program in the local schools. In 1984, Hazel was instrumental in founding the Forsyth Food Pantry (originally called the Samaritans Pantry) and led it for several decades before retiring and turning over the reins to others. Her legacy continues with this thriving key support for the community in place for generations to come.
Hazel was an avid runner for 25 years and enjoyed running in races around the state, amassing numerous medals and ribbons. She also loved to ski and went to Red Lodge weekly for a number of years. Favorite activities included boating, gardening, canning, cooking, baking, singing, and reading, and her love of reading never ceased. Right up to the time of her passing, Hazel always had a book or several going. Hazel was a true beauty who loved to dress for every occasion, though she also took great joy in the simple pleasures of nature, birds singing, flowers blooming, or a beautiful sunset.
Above all, Hazel doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was much beloved by her family. She was selfless, kind, and always thinking of others. She was known for her strength, her positive attitude and her beautiful smile that lit up the room.
Survivors include her four daughters: Tracy (Rick) Bendix, of Imperial, California; Kelly (Keith) Anderson, of Laurel; Lori (Jim) Tuell, of Billings; and Nikki Walter (David Fenner), of Metuchen, New Jersey; seven grandchildren: Jeff (Shaylee) Avants, Jake (Tori) Anderson, Jessica (Jesse) Savage, Sarah (Ray) Arreola, Brittany Bendix, Madeleine Fenner, and Jackson Fenner; four great-grandsons, Guillermo Ortiz, Garrett Avants, Miller Anderson, and Mateo Savage; and a great-granddaughter, Lynlee Avants. Also surviving Hazel are her sisters Joyce Dale, Mary (Chuck) Wallace, Karen (Mart) Robinson, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to Harvey, Hazel was preceded in death by an infant son, Darryl; an infant grandson, Joshua Bendix; sister Phyllis Barth; a brother, Oliver, who died in childhood, and her parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Federated Church of Forsyth, the Community Foundation of Northern Rosebud County, or the Forsyth Food Pantry.
Family to receive friends will be Friday, December 15 from 3-6 PM at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. A memorial service will be at the Federated Church in Forsyth on Saturday, December 16th, at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons have been entrusted with arrangements. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website at www.stevensonandsons.com.
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Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 15, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday December 16, 2023
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday December 16, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday December 15, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday December 16, 2023
Forsyth Cemetery
Forsyth, MT
Reception
Following the Burial
Saturday December 16, 2023
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, Montana 59327
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Sharon Cope says
I am so sorry over your loss, Hazel wa a neat lady, Prayers to all of you,
Carol Moore says
Girls,
I have such fond memories of your mom in church and Rainbow Girls. She was a very sweet lady. Thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will be truly missed.
Carol Ferguson Moore
Lynelle Tompkins says
Such a lovely lady. Full of love for her family and the community. Her personal contribution helped shape Forsyth into what it is now. She will be missed.
Joan Leinwand says
Sending my condolences
Linda M Fenner says
Nikki, Tracy, Kelly and Lori. Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Linda and Charlie Fenner.
Tammy Herzog says
Hazel and I had a standing appointment to fix her hair up every Wednesday for the past few years. I truly enjoyed visiting with her and listening to her talk about her beautiful daughters and life on the farm. She always had a different book she was reading so I had to ask what it was about. Hazel will be missed on Wednesdays but I’ll think about her dearly. Love and prayers to her beautiful daughters. She was so proud of all of you!
Connie Brown says
Tracy,Kelly, Lori and Nikki
Always enjoyed your parents, I know you girls know how truly blessed you were and are! I will miss your Mom not sitting close to me each Sunday in church. I remember the days of our church bazaar and the bonnet your Mom wore in serving. I also remember her in Woman’s Club,a woman of many God given talents. Glad I got to share parts of life with her. Hold tight to the memories!
Eileen Lackman says
Hazel was a kind and pleasant friend. During the time that both of our families lived at Custer, Montana, our children were playmates. Meanwhile Hazel and I were close friends. We learned to ski together and continued to ski together for many years. Hazel has left the world four daughters who are educated, conscientious and as kind as their mother. They will miss her terribly as will I. I send them my deep and sincere condolences.
Danny Johnson says
Lori and Kelly, I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family. Philippians 4:7
Dave Shreeve says
Kelly and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your parents were the true anchors of the Forsyth area and loved by so many. Enjoy the memories of all the great times you had growing up and into adulthood with your wonderful parents.
Laura Kron Monasmith says
Prayers are with you all. Rest in God’s loving arms.
Charles Wallace says
Hazel and husband, Harvey were both wonderful people, as are all of their girls. We visited them every chance we got, from the time my wife, Mary and I were married in 1967, until the time they were both gone. Harvey and I married sisters. Never an unkind word from either of them. We even had a vacation together to the Caribbean in 1991, a time Mary and I will never forget.
Farewell lovely Hazel. God has a special place for you in Heaven. We will miss you forever. Chuck and Mary.
Nan Quinlan says
Condolences to Hazels family. Such a lovely lady.
Larry and Nan QUINLAN
Louise Fenner says
Hazel was deeply loved and admired not only by her immediate family, but also those of us who had the privilege of knowing her because of family connections (through Nikki). We were also lucky enough to know Harvey. Hazel was so sweet, loving and generous. She was always smiling. We always enjoyed visiting with her at the farm, and she included my mother Leona Fenner and me for Christmas dinner one year. We offer our condolences to Kelly, Tracy, Lori, and Nikki.
Louise Fenner and David Minckler
Kathy Pritchard says
Sending our deepest condolences to Kelly, Tracy, Lori and our sister in law Nikki and their families. Hazel always amazed us with her energy and zest for life. We hope the many wonderful memories she and Harvey have made will help family and friends during this difficult time.
Love, Kathy and Kevin Pritchard
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
So sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Paula Cozzani says
I am truly sorry for your loss. May cherished memories bring you comfort during this challenging time.
Mollie Phipps says
Oh sweet Hazel, mat you rest in peace with Harvey I will forever see you as farm bureau delegates as that is how I knew you! My sincere condolences to her family.
Kristi (Schiffer) Valentine says
Nikki and family, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Kay Davis Berdahl says
Harvey and Hazel’s girls,
Deepest condolences to each one of you in the loss of your mom and your dad a while before. Your mom joined us for meals and exercise at the senior center and we always had a good visit about you girls. She was so proud of each one of you and I am sure you will miss her dearly!
Toy Rolston says
Hazel was a smart, kind, talented lady I am proud to have called my friend. She lived a great life in service to those around her. Thank you Hazel. RIP.
Terri and Charlie Brown says
Kelly and families,
Charlie and I send our deepest sympathies as you navigate the loss of a truly great woman. I enjoyed visiting with Hazel while she was getting her hair done (I was in the next chair getting nails done❣️) She and Harvey were pillars in the community of Forsyth and their church. May she celebrate her union with Harvey and our Lord as she arrived in heaven.
Love and hugs,
Terri and Charlie
Cherie & Doug Heser says
So many people have commented on Hazel’s sweetness and kindness. We certainly agree. We always enjoyed Hazel and Harvey and of course, you girls whenever you were around. I am especially glad I got those last years of sharing music with Hazel at the assisted living. She was always so happy and appreciative over the music. I will miss her a lot.
With our thoughts and prayers,
Cherie & Doug
Anita Kurtz says
I watched the service for Hazel on line. It was a beautiful tribute to her as is her obituary. May you find comfort knowing you made her proud and a blessed memory for all of us. Sincerely, Anita Kurtz
Dala Kehler says
I’m really sorry for your loss. It is hard losing our parents. They love us through the good and bad times of our life. Hazel was a classy lady. She lived her faith an example for us all. May the God of all comfort, console you now. 2 Cor. 1:3,4
Susan Moreno says
Lori, So sorry to hear about your mom….thoughts and prayers your direction.