Hazel A (Smith) Denton

Hazel Arleeta Smith Denton, of Prineville, 98 passed September 10, 2016 in Prineville.  Hazel was born March 25, 1918 in the upper Mill Creek Valley in Prineville Oregon to Alonzo (Lon) and Sylvia Moore Smith.  She was the first of 8 children.

Hazel attended Howard School in the Ochoco Valley until time for high school, graduating in 1937 from Crook County High School. She worked as a waitress for Raymond Denton at The Office Lunch, where Terry’s Jewelry is now located.   A romance began and they were married at his sister’s home in The Dalles, Oregon on Christmas Day, 1937.   She also worked for Judy Matthews at Judy's Dress Shop which is now Dad’s Place.  She became the secretary to Wilma Glover at Crooked River Grade School for two years.  An opening at the high school led to her becoming the secretary to Principal Lloyd Lewis for 18 years before retiring.

Hazel’s hobbies were gardening, ceramics, and various hand work projects. Hazel started writing poems as a child and continued her whole adult life.  She wrote a book honoring the Pioneer Queens from the first one to the queen in 2000.  It is available at the Historical Museum.  She taught Sunday School for 25 years, serving as chairman of the Sunday School Department for over 20 years.  Hazel also served as the chairman of the floral committee, arranging flowers for the sanctuary every Sunday for 33 years.  Ray and Hazel also served on the hospitality and kitchen committees at the First Baptist Church in Prineville.

Hazel also enjoyed Etudier- a book study club since 1941 and was an active member of PEO since 1969. Hazel and Ray were actively involved with the Crook County Historical Association and she was honored to be chosen as Pioneer Queen in 1999.

Hazel is survived by her son Dennis Edward Denton (Denny) and daughter Shirley Denton Barquist and husband Norm. Four grandchildren; Brad Barquist and wife Janelle, Brian Barquist and wife Angie, Leslie Denton Tuftin and husband Dean, Julie Denton Waibel and husband Brad. Great grandchildren; Kerigan Waibel, Kashtin Waibel, Maysa Tuftin, Maggie Tuftin, Abigail Barquist, Andrew Barquist, Brody Barquist, Colt Barquist, Ollie Barquist, Darby Barquist and Bo Barquist. She is also survived by two sisters; Leatha (93yrs.), Dorothy (90yrs.); and one brother Robert (85yrs.) and his wife, Beverly. She also leaves two additional sisters-in law, Marie Smith and Lynda Smith.

She was preceded in death by son Ronald Edward, Husband Ray in 2004, Daughter-in-law Margie Schwab Denton 2005, Sister Goldie Williamson (1988), Sister Thelma Robertson (who passed away recently at the age of 96), brother Arthur Smith(1987) and brother James Smith(2015).   She comes from a line of pretty impressive pioneer genes.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Crook County Historical Society or The First Baptist Church/ kitchen committee.

There will be a memorial service at The First Baptist Church in Prineville, Oregon on Oct 10, 2016 at 11 AM.  Private all family interment will be at Juniper Haven Cemetery.

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