Obituary of Kerma Hazel

Kerma Greninger Hazel, 89, died peacefully March 28, 2014 at Waltonwood Senior Living in Cary.

Kerma was born to Landis and Sarah Greninger November 24, 1924 in Tylersville, PA. She spent an active childhood in the farm country of the mountains of central Pennsylvania. She was involved in the life of her school, played softball and served as Drum Major. Following high school graduation and the outbreak of WWII, she answered the call and like "Rosie the Riveter", helped build aircraft for the war effort at Piper Aircraft. Following the war, she married the love of her life, the late Robert B. Hazel and enjoyed 68 years of raising four children, camping, fishing, and making many return trips to the mountains of Pennsylvania to visit friends and relatives and help on the family farm. She faithfully supported her husband Robert in his career where he retired as the Executive Director of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and then became a Professor in the NC State University College of Natural Resources. She was a great supportive mother and grandmother; she enjoyed taking care of her grandchildren and hosting family gatherings. Kerma volunteered with the Garner Band Boosters, PTA, and other organizations involving her children. She was a good cook and had a great sense of humor. She was always community-minded and helped with causes like voter registration and delivering for Meals on Wheels. She was active in Community United Church of Christ in Raleigh for nearly 60 years. Kerma never lost her love of learning; after her children were grown she attended Wake Technical Community College and completed the Operating Room Technician program.

She is survived by her children Dr. Dennis Hazel (Debbie) of Garner, Diana Pike (John) of Goldsboro, Linda Littmann (Wayne) of Clayton, Amy Hazel of New Bern; grandchildren Abbey Hazel and Lauren Hazel of Garner, Dr. Maxwell Pike of Kansas City, MO, Randy Littmann (Christine) of Garner, Galen Littmann of Raleigh, Zoe Littmann of Clayton; great-grandchildren Tyler and Lance Littmann of Garner; sisters Janet Marchyshyn (Mike) of E. Orland, ME and Jean Tressler of Mill Hall, PA.

The family would like to thank Sally Adams, the staff at Waltonwood, and Hospice of Wake County for the loving care they provided to both our parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607 or to The Church Memorial Fund, Community UCC, 814 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607.

The family will receive friends 1-2:30 p.m., Sunday, April 6, 2014 at Montlawn Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park.

Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC. Condolences can be made at www.montlawn.com.