Agnes S. Hazelbaker
1917 - 2011
Agnes S. Hazelbaker, our much-loved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend ended her earthly journey at The Springs of Missoula on Jan. 11, at the age of 93, following a stroke.
She was born in Ismay on July 27, 1917, to William E. and Amelia G.R.D. Striker, and moved with them to Miles City as a small child.
Her father was an electrician for the Milwaukee Rail Road and her mother, a homemaker, had immigrated from Kilwinning, Ayrshire, Scotland, three years previously, sailing along the same route as the Titanic.
Agnes graduated near the top of her class at Custer County High school in 1935, excelling in math, English and music. With the additional benefit of her keen typing and shorthand skills, she traveled to Washington, D.C., to work as a secretary in the Department of Agriculture. She eventually worked directly for Henry Wallace, who was then the Secretary of Agriculture, and later became vice president under President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
It was an exciting seven years in the life of this small-town Montana girl, enabling her to meet, among other dignitaries, Eleanor Roosevelt whom she greatly enjoyed. She would remember those times and the fragrant cherry blossoms of Washington, D.C., throughout her life.
She returned to her native Montana following those years where she met and eventually married Frank W. Hazelbaker, a state representative from Missoula County.
They moved to Dillon to pursue the family insurance and real estate business, and Frank continued his political career, eventually serving as Speaker of the House, Senate President Pro Temp., Senate Majority Whip, and on at least one occasion served as acting Governor of Montana.
Together they raised two children, Rebecca and Craig. Agnes was an exemplary homemaker, an outstanding cook, a talented gardner, and a formidable opponent at the bridge table.
She was a past Worthy Matron of the Order of Eastern Star, and a past Grand Officer. She enjoyed tennis in her younger years, and will forever be remembered for her intellect, her lively sense of humor and her quick wit.
Frank and Agnes moved to Polson in 1983 following his last session in the Montana Senate. He preceded her in death in 1990.
Also preceding her in death were her parents, Will and Amelia Striker; a baby brother in his infancy; brother-in-law, Ted Hazelbaker; sister-in-law, Lois Rogers; and dear friends, Tom Webb of Miles City, and Tim Doyle Lasich of Dillon and Missoula.
She is survived by her daughter Rebecca (Dusty) Deschamps, along with their children; Krystin Deschamps; Mikal (Steve) Terou and their daughter, Sydney; Bob Deschamps and children Dillon, Devyn and Dash; and Jean-Marc (Natalee) Deschamps and their daughter Jocelyn.
She is also survived by her son Craig, along with his daughter, Morgan Hazelbaker, and son, Ian Hazelbaker, as well as her stepsons, Frank (Judy) Hazelbaker and John (Joyce) Hazelbaker; her sister-in-law, Clara Hazelbaker; and numerous friends, including Jo Lasich, Missoula; Aileen Chisholm, Dillon, and Betty Kirscher and Eleanor Eckland, Polson.
The Cremation and Burial Society of the Rockies has cremated her body.
A commemorative get-together for Springs residents, family and friends, has been scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at The Springs.
A celebration of mom’s life for family and friends will be held in Dillon this summer.
If desired, memorials can be sent to the Hospice of Missoula, Partner’s Hospice, Animals of Missoula, or any other animal welfare organization.
You’ll always be in our hearts Mom, never far away.
Alyssa Jean Alene Alvarez
2010 - 2011
Alyssa Jean Alene Alvarez came to us on Dec. 29, 2010, at 1:27 p.m. She weighed four pounds, 11 ounces, and was 16 inches long. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the University of Utah Hospital.
On Jan. 1 she was diagnosed with Trisomy 18 a Chromosomal Disorder.
After a hard fought battle, Alyssa passed away Jan. 9, at 4:25 p.m., at the Ronald McDonald House, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Alyssa is survived by her two loving parents, Jeremy and Wendy; her two older brothers, Jase and Tristan; and lots of loving family.
That morning, before she passed, someone very special to me quoted something from the Bible.
"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it," Hebrews 13:2.
Our daughter will always be in our hearts, and we will cherish the 12 days and nights we had to hold her tightly, and give her all of our love.
Thank you to our baby Alyssa, for opening our hearts.
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