Hazel Bolen-Canady

Hazel Louise Canady, 90, passed away on November 10, 2026. Born October 9, 1936, Hazel lived with a steady devotion to family, faith, and the everyday work of caring for others. A resident of Sun City, Arizona, she will be remembered with deep respect and enduring affection by all who had the privilege to know her.

Hazel was born to her father, Fleet C. Allen, and her mother, Naomi K. Miller, in the small town of Woodpeck, West VIrginia. An only child, she grew up with a strong sense of self-reliance and an honest, grounded spirit that remained with her throughout her life. She graduated from Stocco High School in 1954 in Coal City, West Virginia, and later married her high school sweetheart, Zane Buren Bolen.

After moving to Peoria, Arizona in 1957, Hazel worked a variety of jobs, including as a store clerk at a local hardware store. When she became a mother, she devoted herself fully to her home and children, bringing to that role the same hard work, kindness, and steadfast care that defined so much of her life. She worked later in life as an Office Manager for a law firm and tech company in Glendale, AZ. Following the passing of her first husband, she later remarried N.C (Cliff) Canady, and through that marriage was blessed with a blended family that she cherished.

Hazel’s energy and adventurous spirit were evident in the way she embraced physical challenge. Athletic and disciplined, she loved to work out, run, and even took up bodybuilding. In her 50’s, she competed in several marathons around the Valley, winning several trophies and earning a reputation for being the fastest runner in her age group—an achievement that reflected both her determination and her quiet confidence. She was also an accomplished seamstress, and she often baked goods to brighten the days of those around her, offering comfort in the simple, generous ways that mattered most.

A faithful Christian, Hazel devoted herself to her church and to the people within it. She spent much of her time at the First Southern Baptist Church at Sahuaro Ranch, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and enjoyed working with the youth. In recent years, she worked on the prayer list and remained active with the baptismal committee—serving with compassion, humility, and a warmth that could be felt in both her presence and her humor.

Hazel is survived by her son, Gregory Z. Bolen (Kathy) of Chesapeake, Virginia; her daughter, Regina L. Gill (Niels Lybeck) of Phoenix; her step son, Mickey Canady (Deemonnia) of Texas; and her step son, Steve Canady (Barbara) of Arizona. She was blessed with four grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Hazel will truly be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the youth department at First Southern Baptist Church at Sahuaro Ranch, Glendale, AZ; or Spiritual Eldercare ( https://spiritualeldercare.com/resources/ ).

She will be laid to Rest at Sun West Cemetery in El Mirage, AZ.