Hazel Mae (Whiteaker) Gartin

Hazel Mae Gartin, age 84 of Osceola passed away at West Bend Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in South Bend. Hazel was born April 4, 1936 in Alvarado, Virginia to the late Frank and Eliza Jane (Perdue) Whiteaker.  Hazel was working at a grocery store in Gary Indiana when she met her husband, Robert Gartin. On August 21, 1960, they were married.  He preceded her in death on November 23, 2006.

Surviving are her children Wiley “Mike” Moretz Jr. of Florida, Brenda (Brian) Rydzinski of Osceola, and Robyn (Jim) McConnell of Mishawaka.  Also surviving are her grandchildren, Jason (Janelle) Gentry, Ashley (Chris) Ruehman, Gn Sgt. Brandon (Sarah) Morgan USMC, Tyler Bailey, Mackenzie (Mark) Samson and Emmalee McConnell, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.  She is survived as well by her siblings Marie Shires of Maryland and Paul Whiteaker of Virginia.  Hazel was preceded in death by her son Jimmie Dale Gentry and her grandson Bryan Morgan.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Thursday, October 1, 2020 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.  A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am Friday, October 2, 2020 at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens where Hazel will be laid to rest by her husband Robert in the Garden of Everlasting Life.  **Due to current public health and safety standards for COVID-19 the Hazel’s family asks that those attending wear a mask.**

Hazel was employed as a waitress at the Mayfair Restaurant in Mishawaka and later at the Skillet Restaurant in South Bend.  She also worked in retail sales at Goldblatt’s in Mishawaka and after the birth of her youngest daughter, Robyn, she became a homemaker where she enjoyed raising her family.

In her spare time, she loved camping with her family, knitting and crocheting, quilting and playing board games, especially “Aggravation.”  She loved cooking breakfast on Sunday mornings for her family, and her fun demeanor and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.  To leave a message of comfort, light a virtual candle or view Hazel’s online video tribute, please follow the links provided on the Tribute Wall tab above.