“Well, Howdy Do? A simple phrase from a simple woman who lived simply but her impact left on others was significant. An only child, born in Detroit, Michigan, to Edward Bedwell and Francis Teague Bedwell. Hazel was raised by her mother and step-father (Estel Ray Reed) in Parke County. In her school years, she met her sister in spirit, Mavis Joan Sheets; they remained friends throughout their lives. Hazel married Floyd Leslie Demoret and together shared 20-plus years of marriage and two children Phyllis Jean (Gerald) West and Michael Ray (Paula) Demoret.
She began her life-long career as a short-order cook working at the Snacker Grill. During her four decades there she would work the 4 a.m. to 2 p.m. shift Monday-Saturday. She would amaze you as she stood behind the 10-stool countertop, single-handedly waitress, do dishes and successfully sling food for the counter customers and the waitressed tables. She became the cook, mother, grandmother, friend, confidant and public safety officer to everyone who walked through the door. If you were from the area during the 60s-90s then chances are you have a story that involved Hazel and the Snacker. Whether a fond recollection, funny moment, or questionable behavior (beginning “after the bar closed”), she left her mark on so many in our community. After divorcing Hazel married Clarence Pearl Staggs. She shared in the lives of his children John Pearl Staggs and Dee Stabler. She finished her working years out at Digger’s and the H&L Cafe. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, eating out, camping, and playing cards. She was loved and will be missed.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents; son Michael; husbands; and son-in-law Gary.
She leaves behind daughter Phyllis; step-children, John and Dee; grandchildren, Jennifer (Patrick) Busenbark, Clinton (Alana) West, Drew (Stacy) Demoret, Dustin Demoret, Nathan (Ashley) Staggs, Rowan Staggs and Mason Lockard; great-grandchildren, Nickolas, Brennden and Reese Busenbark, Destiny (Jacob) Jenkins, Kierra Gill, Emmitt Jones, Raelyn West, Daxton and Callon Demoret, Serenity, Emma and Kayden Staggs and Mac Lockard; and great-great-grandchildren, Oliver Jenkins and Paislee and Ledger Gill.
Hazel chose cremation and a graveside service with Todd Randle in the Cremation Garden at Oak Hill Cemetery North at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 for anyone who wishes to say their goodbyes. Hunt & Son Funeral Home was entrusted with care.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com.
