Hazel Diehl Walker

February 3, 1921 - October 26, 2016

Hazel Diehl Walker, 95, of Huntington, passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, October 26, 2016, at the Memory Unit of the Woodlands Retirement Community. She was born February 3, 1921, to the late George Reuben and Pearl Koontz Diehl in Bedford County, PA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Franklin “Bob” Walker. Hazel is survived by her two sons and two daughters, Dr. G. Scott Walker (Dr. Debie) of Encinitas, CA, Bruce Walker (Debbie) of Powder Springs, GA, Susan (Ron) DeTemple of Huntington, and Karen Eastman of Milford, CT; eight grandchildren, Blue and Oliver Walker, Karen and Jill DeTemple (Gordon O’Brien), Nick (Katie) and Bryan Eastman, and Lauren and Andrew Walker; eight great grandchildren, Dylan and Athena Walker, Katherine and Alexandra O’Brien, Hunter and Quinn Eastman, and Cadance and Jocelyn Eastman. She is also survived by her sisters, Kathleen Piper and Grace Diehl, a brother, Christopher, a cousin, Evalyn Bernhardt, and a special friend, Rosa Lee Richards who visited her frequently in her later years. After working as a Registered Nurse while raising her family, Hazel returned to school and earned her Bachelor of Nursing from Pitt University and her Master's Degree from Penn State University. She served as a nursing administrator in various hospitals in PA, KY, and Kansas. Hazel provided medical services to the rural community where she lived in Shippingport, PA, was active in the local PTA, served on the School Board, and was one of the founding members of the Citizens Association. While living locally, Hazel was an active member of the Chesapeake United Methodist Church, a St. Mary's volunteer, a member of Creative Quilters, The Homemaker’s Club of Chesapeake, a member of TANA, and served as a volunteer ombudsman for nursing homes in Ohio. She also created needlepoint samplers for the new owners of Habitat for Humanity homes. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 am on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at Henson & Kitchen Mortuary in Huntington, WV with family friend, Pastor Roger Adams officiating. The family will welcome friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Woodlands Retirement Community Foundation to benefit the staff of the Woodlands Memory Unit who cared for her with affection “despite the frequent firings and reprimands she issued as their nursing supervisor”. There will be no graveside services. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hensonandkitchen.com