Hazel Bell Reese

surrounded by her family.

Hazel was one of two children and grew up during the Great Depression. Her family moved frequently so

that her father could find work. She started reading at a very early age and librarians had a hard time finding

books that she hadn’t read.

She married Allen Reese M.D. and worked at various jobs while Allen pursued his medical degree. Hazel

worked for several years at Lockheed in the engineering department, processing changes made on airplanes.

Having four children kept her very busy but she managed to do the billing and paperwork for fourteen years

for her husband’s medical practice.

In 1970, the family moved from West Covina to the small town of Callahan, California where they had a

cattle ranch. Many newborn calfs were saved because of the care she gave them, including bottle feedings in

her washroom. She loved the old west and collected many of it’s relics. Being part Cherokee, Hazel was

fascinated with Native American culture as well.

In 1980, they sold the ranch and retired to a small lake near Grass Valley, California. She enjoyed fishing,

became passionate about golf and resumed playing bridge. Hazel enjoyed long walks and swimming. She even

taught her beloved grandchildren to swim off of their dock. She loved oil painting, cooking and was an avid

gardener. At one point, she had a one-quarter acre vegetable garden. Hazel and Allen loved music and spent

many wonderful trips following Dixieland Jazz festivals.

Hazel had an amazing life. She was so loved and admired by her family.

Hazel’s passing was preceded by the love of her life Allen, parents Claudia and Joseph Gatten, and beloved

brother Bobby. She is survived, and will forever be missed, by her daughter Sharon Reese-Hedge, son-in-law

Christopher Hedge, grandchildren Brandi, Ryan, Nicholas and Jeny Hedge; daughter Garren Stumpf and

family, and sons Allen Jr. and family, and Gary; sister-in-law Anita Matthews, niece Lori Holley, and many

extended family and friends.

Our many thanks to all at Three Bells of Montara for their loving care of Hazel, and their compassionate

support of our family.

Services and Interment were held at Montecito Memorial Park in Colton, California.