Hazel Fifer, 96 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at Adams Woodcrest. She was born on Saturday, January 12, 1918 in Jay County, Indiana the daughter of the late Bert E. Smith and the late Emma (Kunkle) Smith. She married William W. Fifer on December 13, 1940 in Monroeville, Indiana and he preceded her in death on September 14, 1986. Hazel was a member of St. Mark's United Methodist Church in Decatur. She was a former member of Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church in Decatur and their Methodist Women Society and also active in the Friendship Club in Decatur. She loved bird watching; flowers; and reading. She was a graduate of Madison High School in Jay County, Indiana and Fort Wayne Beauty College. Hazel was a homemaker and had worked as a self-employed beautician. Surviving are her son, Gary (Nancy) Fifer of Decatur; daughter, Judy (Dave) Fox of Berne; daughter, Nancy (Marlin) Blakey of Decatur; eight grandchildren, Shelly Lockwood; Jeff Riehle; Julie (Doug) Rich; Brian (Noelia) Fox; Michael (Keri Jo) Fox; Kevin (Lydia) Fox; Sara (Christopher) Mowery; & Marc (Theresa) Blakey; and 20 great-grandchildren. Preceding Hazel in death were a sister, Mabel Bond and a grandson, Christopher Blakey. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 25, 2014 in the St. Mark's United Methodist Church with Pastor Chris Gadlage officiating. Interment will follow in the Gravel Hill Cemetery in Bryant, Indiana. Friends will be received from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, August 24 in the Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Preferred memorials are to St. Mark's United Methodist Church of Family LifeCare.
