Hazel Engle Crane

Hazel Engle was born on Mother’s Day, May 10, 1936, to Arthur and Carrie Engle in Hillsboro, Ohio and passed away, November 11, 2025, in Boise, Idaho. Hazel had one brother, Robert Lee Engle, who was 9 years older. Hazel married Harold Crane in 1957, and they welcomed three daughters, Bobbye, Nancy, and Susan.

Hazel was a devoted wife of 36 years, mother, grandmother of 9 and great-grandmother to 5 boys, as well as aunt to 11 nieces and nephews.

At age 5, Hazel started playing the piano and continued until the age of 89 as an exceptional musician and accompanist. As a young girl, she accompanied her mother at church and countless others over the years.

Hazel graduated from Washington Court House High School in Ohio in 1954, top of her class, first chair clarinet, and a member of the marching band. Mom loved music and often recited the quote, “Where words fail, music speaks!

She met Harold Charles Crane on the college campus of Maryville College, in Maryville, Tennessee in the fall of 1954. She said she knew right away he was the man for her.

Harold and Hazel were married on July 20, 1957, between their junior and senior years of college. They both graduated earning their Bachelor of Science degrees in May 1958. Hazel’s degree was in Education.

Harold and Hazel made their home in Tennessee. Their first daughter, Bobbye Lynn, was born after they graduated from college. Nancy Lee joined the family three years later. From Tennessee, the family of 4 moved to Georgia, followed by a move to Alabama. Dad had promised Mom he would take her to Hawaii for their 10th wedding anniversary, and in 1965, they moved to Hawaii, living there for 4 years. Their third daughter, Susan Carol, joined the family while living in Hawaii. In 1969, Hazel’s mother, Carrie Engle, moved to Hawaii and lived with the family until she died in 1991.

Hazel began her teaching career at Aikahi Elementary School in 1966. In 1969, the family moved again, this time to New Jersey to be close to Harold’s parents. Hazel taught school for 9 more years at Bridgewater and Eisenhower schools before moving to Oregon in June of 1978.

The family regularly attended church and through the Lord’s calling and the ministry of Pastor John Slivkoff at Sunnyside Community Church, a lifetime of faith and ministry began.

Following their move to Oregon, Hazel was involved in a variety of ministries including, Church pianist and piano teacher, Gideon’s International Auxiliary member, Board member at Ecola Hall Bible School, Awana leader, Sunday School teacher, Retreat Speaker, Bible Study Fellowship leader, Women’s Bible study leader, lecturer, and curriculum co-author.

After becoming widowed, Hazel hosted a radio program called, Leaving a Legacy, where she ministered to women who may also have found themselves suddenly single, as she had. Hazel authored a book about her life, with the same title, Leaving a Legacy. This has become a keepsake by her family.

Mom also volunteered as a “stuffer” at Good Shepherd Community Church, where she did all kinds of tasks to get ready for church services, women’s bible study, and other events and ministries. Best of all, she made friends with a lot of wonderful people.

In July 2024, Hazel moved to Idaho with her daughter and son-in-law, Dick and Nancy.

Hazel was known as an avid reader, whose lending library was always open, with her highlights, underlines, and all! Her hospitality and humor, creativity and character were always a joy to be around! She joined her husband in running their own business. She was a memory-maker and made a positive impact on countless people! We will deeply miss Hazel, and we will celebrate her reward in heaven as a faithful follower, believer, and promoter of Jesus! She has fought the fight and finished the race! Hazel adored her husband, loved her family, and treasured her friends.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, and is survived by her children, Bobbye and Harold Hopf, Nancy and Dick Kleint, Susan and Michael Blair, her grandchildren, David and wife Jayda Hopf, Jessica Hopf, Heather and husband Matthew Ozerkov, Spenser and wife McKenzie Blair, Nancy E. Kleint and Amanda Kleint. She also leaves behind her precious great grandsons, Levi Blair, Sam Blair, Connor Hopf, Alexander Hopf, and Jedediah Ozerkov, as well as 3 sisters-in-law, 2 brothers-in-law, 10 nieces and nephews and countless great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Gideon’s International can be made.

We would also like to give heartfelt thanks to Horizon Hospice, who did a phenomenal job in Hazel’s end-of-life care. The people from Horizon helped Hazel and our family so much during her last months and days. What a blessing they have been to us. Donations can be made to AngelsAnonymousIdaho.com in recognition of the work Hospice provides.

If Hazel could tell you one thing, it would be to pursue Jesus and His word, encourage others each day and laugh along the way! “Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life; imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7