Hazel Marie Ute, of Lexington, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, August 13, 2026. She was 85.
She was born on May 5, 1941, in Cardington, Ohio, to the late Russell R. and Ella M. (Northrup) Hurrell, one of seven children. When Hazel was a young girl, her family relocated to Mansfield so her father could pursue work at the steel mill. Growing up in the area, she became a proud graduate of Mansfield Senior High School and was the first of her siblings to earn her diploma. On March 25, 1960, she married the love of her life, John Ute, and the couple relocated to Lexington shortly after. Together, Hazel and John shared 46 years of marriage filled with love, memories, and happiness until his passing in 2006. Now, they are reunited once more.
Hazel began her professional career shortly after high school, working at a local bank. She later accepted a position at Woodlawn Nursing Home, where she began as a cook and, through hard work and dedication, worked her way up to become Dietary Manager. In her 40s, while continuing to work, Hazel returned to school and earned her Dietary Management degree from Penn State. This was an accomplishment of which she was immensely proud. Hazel dedicated 33 years to Woodlawn, bringing compassion, commitment, and a strong work ethic to everything she did.
Faith was an important part of Hazel’s life, and she was a faithful member of Mansfield First Friends Church on Logan Road for 80 years. Over the years, she served in many capacities, including teaching Sunday school, being involved in the Jr. Church programs, and serving as an Elder for nearly 30 years. She was also a longtime member of the church’s Faithful Helpers Group, where she enjoyed participating in service projects and community outreach. Hazel had a true servant’s heart and found great joy in helping others, generously giving her time and talents to make a difference in the lives of those around her.
Outside of work and church, Hazel enjoyed golfing, bowling, and traveling. She and John especially enjoyed trips to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, while she also treasured trips to California to visit her grandson and his family. She was a member of TOPS and enjoyed traveling to various conferences with the group. Above all, Hazel cherished her family and was deeply involved in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She never wanted to miss a sporting event, performance, or showcase and was always there cheering them on as their number one fan. A true social butterfly and often the life of the party, Hazel was known for her generosity, compassion, and unwavering support of those she loved. She was dedicated to her work, determined to make the most of every opportunity, and always willing to do what it took to improve her life and circumstances. Her family will forever remember her loving support, her giving nature, and her beautiful example of faith and service.
She is survived by her daughter Joni (Frank) Pfeiffer, grandchildren Joseph (Cara) Pfeiffer, Amanda (C. Daniel) Fraley, Nathaniel (Danielle) Pfeiffer, Lindsey (Joseph) Whitehead, Jeff (Ali) Barker, Jennifer (Terry) Walton, Adam Zartman, Dustin Zartman, Matthew (Erica) Zartman, Ryan (Alyssa) Zartman, twenty-two great-grandchildren, daughter-in-law Donna Ute-Deaton, siblings Jane (Gerald) Heflen and Mary (Bob) Frankhauser, sister-in-law Bonnie Hurrell, brother-in-law Doug (Kim) Dotson, as well as many nieces and nephews and extended family members.
In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, John Ute; son, John Lee Ute, Jr.; daughter, Candace Lynn Maxey; and siblings, Walter Hurrell, Jim Rice, Russell “Butch” Hurrell, and Albert Hurrell.
The Ute family will receive guests on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel. A funeral service honoring Hazel’s life will begin immediately afterward. Burial will follow at Mound View Cemetery in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband, John.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mansfield First Friends Church c/o the Education Fund to help continue supporting the programs and children Hazel held dear.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Hazel’s family and encourages you to share a fond memory or message of condolence on her obituary page at SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com