Hazel Yvonne Workman Hays

Hazel Yvonne Hays died peacefully in her sleep February 10, 2013 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s Disease and Osteoporosis. Though these diseases robbed her of her energy and mobility she never lost her fun loving attitude and sense of humor. Her inner strength and resiliency helped her persist through many difficult physical challenges for many years.

Hazel was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 28, 1922. She was the oldest of three sisters and was the daughter of Everett and Myrtle Workman. Hazel graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, class of 1940, and married Lawrence Samuel Hays in 1941. Being the daughter and wife of military men she had the opportunity to travel to many exciting places throughout the world during her lifetime.

Hazel is preceded in death by her parents; her sisters Francis Boyd and Mary Jane Leutwyler; her husband; her son Lawrence Jr.(Larry); her daughter Mary Ann (Tudy) Marbach, and her children Ronald Jr. (Chipper), and Michael Paul. Hazel is survived by her daughters Patricia Jo Ann Dietz, Phyllis Carol Ross, and Tara Hays Reed; grandchildren Lori Van De Walle, Linda Dietz, Cathy Smierciak, Robert Dietz, Theresa Williams, Jacqueline Yoder , Larissa Brakhage, Toby Keeling, John Becerra, Jr., Amanda Gifford, Ross Reed, and Will Reed. Hazel is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren and 6 great great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 17th at 3:00 p.m. A Rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Colonial Funeral Home in Universal City, TX. Graveside services will be Tuesday, February 19th at 3:00 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff, volunteers and to mom’s very dear friends at The Waterford Assisted-Living, and to her home healthcare and hospice caregivers at Traditions Health Care in College Station, Texas. Their dedication, love, and personal attention to mom’s emotional, physical, and spiritual needs provided great comfort for her during her final years of life.