Hazel A (Butterfield) Walker, October 5, 1939 – February 20, 2025. Hazel was the first child in her large family to be born in a hospital in Pocatello, Idaho. She was also the first girl born to Lucille Alice Tripp and John Francis Butterfield. A mix of a tomboy and pretty dresses, she had five older brothers (John, Edwin, Gene, Glenn, and David) and then younger brothers (Robert and Paul) and a sister (Donna). The family spent time living in Pocatello, Mackay, Grace, Bancroft areas.
In her teenage years, Hazel attended Pocatello High school and then moved to the Heyburn area where she graduated from Minico High School. She attended Idaho State University Vo-tech School enrolling in the Cosmetology Program. It was while attending ISU she met and fell in love with Norman K. Walker who was enrolled in the ISU Vo-tech School of Drafting/Architecture.
They married and moved to the Rupert area. It was during her pregnancy that Hazel met Della Kimbrough during one of her pre-natal visits. Della was pregnant with twins due before her in December and they had four older daughters. Their daughter Patricia was born after in April, and this was the start of a lifelong friendship with the Kimbrough family.
Three years later in May, son Scott was born. Then the family moved to Jerome, where Norman worked on the Chugg Quarter Horse Ranch, along with his construction work. Patricia started school in Jerome and attended until they bought their first home and moved to Wendell. Both children attended Wendell schools through graduation. In Wendell, they managed a farm, livestock, and a construction business while actively volunteering and participating in their children’s events. As their children grew older, Hazel began her career as an aide at the Wendell grade school, which led to a passion she continued throughout her life.
Hazel and Norman were instrumental in the fundraising and later building of the Sawtooth Methodist Church Camp above Hill City. The camp lacked a main lodge, and they were a major part of making that happen.
Her son Scott married Barbara Sandoval, and she was overjoyed to gain a grandson, Leroy followed by a granddaughter, Devin. Leroy recalled a trip with his Aunt Patricia and his Grandma when he was five to California, where they took him to the San Diego Zoo and more. She loved to spend time with them and often said Devin had the voice of an angel.
After the couple divorced, Hazel moved to Payette, and she also cared for her mother. She worked for the Payette School District until she retired, holding several positions. A coach for the Special Olympics she enjoyed helping many special needs children thrive, also teaching them life skills with Pat White. Her fellow staff and teacher friends remember fun times they would enjoy on the Friday after payday with some ‘attitude adjustments’ and they enjoyed several trips to Jackpot and one to the Bahamas.
While in Payette Hazel met the White family while working with Pat White, and during the summers, she helped at White Automotive’s car lot, becoming good friends with the White family. Her daughter Patricia married Jim White in 1989. They met in 1986 and had moved from Payette to California. Hazel and Jim’s dad, Albert, were treated to San Francisco 49er football games and sightseeing and shopping at Fisherman’s Wharf. She loved to visit California, but she was most excited when they moved back to Idaho after they had Allison. Jim and Patricia lived in Caldwell and added Erin and Megan to their family there, giving her lots of time to read to them, do crafts, make special treats and more. Attending their ballet recitals and plays gave her lots to brag about.
Hazel adored her great-grandchildren (mom Devin) Luke, Scotty, and Emma, and (mom Allison) Aiden and Elena. Her face lit up at every picture and during their visits.
She was also a cherished Aunt to many nieces and nephews, a favorite cousin, and she remained close with the Walker family all throughout her life. She was well known for enjoying her coffee (and loved it best in the quiet of the morning before the day got started).
At her request no service will be held but she had asked that you instead tell stories and share laughter around a campfire, read a child a book, or spend time volunteering. Hazel taught her children through her love of the mountains and her volunteer work to always leave a forest, an event, or a project better than you found it, or at least leaving no mess behind. Hazel’s imprint on our lives left us all better for having known her.