Hazel Ione Spencer

Hazel Ione Spencer, age 96 of Peoria, Arizona passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2026. She was born on November 21, 1929 in Williston, North Dakota to Swen and Dora Swenson. Hazel is survived by her children: Cathy Lumm and Cynthia (Bernard) Harrison; 4 Grandchildren: Melissa (John) Villalobos, Michael Lumm, Jacqueline Escobar and Traci (Neil) Barton; 10 Great Grandchildren: Jack (Elissa), Jacob, Mikayla, Rhys, Katrina, Darienne, Lindsey, Kendall, Gabrielle and Mariana; 1 Great Great Grandchild: Michael and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Allan (Jenny) Swenson and her husband of almost 71 years, James “Mike” Spencer.

Hazel was raised on a small farm in Darling Springs Township of Adams County, North Dakota where she was the oldest of two children. She spent her days avoiding outdoor chores and livestock. She bemoaned the necessity of riding a horse to her country school for grades 1-8 and often begged for a “more sensible ride” in her father’s model A. On her first day of high school, she met her future husband, Mike, who swore he was going to marry her after she stuck her tongue out at him in response to his wink. After a lengthy pursuit, they became high school sweethearts and married on August 22, 1948. They continued to live in Bucyrus, where they welcomed two daughters.

Hazel became a teacher at an elementary country school, where she taught up to 7 grade levels simultaneously. A job opportunity for Mike moved the family to Minot, ND, but they often returned to their Bucyrus home to visit family and “Weekend Farm” their land. As a teacher, Hazel pursued her own higher education during the summers and eventually earned her bachelor’s degree from Minot State College.

Once their daughters completed high school, Mike’s job moved them frequently and led to them to live in eight different states. When Hazel and Mike retired, they made their final move to Peoria, Arizona to be close to their two daughters.

Hazel and Mike had a large extended family and treasured spending time with siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. They regularly hosted gatherings, organized family reunions and vacationed with immediate and extended family. Weeklong houseboat excursions on Lake Powell in Arizona/Utah was a favorite and regular destination for many years.

Hazel enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling and card games. She was a creative soul who loved writing poetry and painting. She was the “go to” when ideas of what to do next were needed. Her greatest joy was family.

She was a loving daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, friend, wife, mother and grandmother. She will be deeply missed.

Funeral services be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 with a viewing beginning at 9am, the Memorial Service at 11am and a reception to follow at Sunland Memorial Park

15826 N Del Webb Blvd

Sun City, AZ 85351

A private burial ceremony will be held separately.

In lieu of flowers, donations and/ checks will go to La Loma Employee Appreciation Fund and Bucyrus Lutheran Church.