Hazel Marie Smith, 95, resident of Shelby, passed away peacefully in her home Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on November 23, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio and raised by her loving parents Leroy and Bernice (Horwith) Baum. A 1949 graduate of Savannah High School, she married the love of her life, Robert Garner Smith, one week following her graduation on June 3, 1949.
As a proud homemaker, her home was always tidy inside and out. She was a magnificent cook and baker and was known for her pumpkin pies and soup. For many years, she worked as a prep cook at the L & K, the Red Baron Restaurant, and the Shelby Country Club. Though she enjoyed being in the kitchen, her greatest love in life was her children and grandchildren. She looked forward to taking care of them and will always be known to them as “Baby Ma”.
A long-time member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Shelby, Hazel made many close friends over the years; Brenda Schroeder, who threw Hazel a wonderful 90th birthday party, Joanne Milliron, Rhea Jane Swartz, Cheryl Reed, Nancy Stansberry, and too many more to name; all of whom she cherished and loved.
Hazel is survived by her two children, Linda Wahl of Shelby and Ronald (Patricia Sexton) Smith of Sandusky, Ohio; five grandchildren, Andrea (Arron) Johnson of Shelby, Keisha (Kyle Rufer) Collins of Mansfield, Jonathan Smith of California, Shannon (Michael) Montgomery of Virginia and Donald Sergeant of Oregon; three great-grandchildren, Heidi (Nathan) Sherer, Thomas Johnson and McKinnah Montgomery; three great great grandchildren, Lilly, Jonathan and Matthew Sherer; one brother and sister-in-law Gary (Cindy) Baum of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives including special friends that became family; Frank & Karen Schumacher, and their daughter Rachel.
A special thank you to Tiffany & McKenzie, & the entire staff at Pathways Hospice of Ontario, OH.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert in 2000; two brothers and a sister-in-law, David Baum and Duane and Sharon Baum; and infant sister, Mary Lou Baum.
A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held at the Barkdull Funeral Home and Crematory Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Reverend Dr. Edna Stahl will officiate with interment held at Ashland County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church at 209 E. Main St. Shelby, OH 44875.
Online condolences may be made at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com