Hazel Ellen Myers, 89, a longtime Lyman area resident, passed away at her home on Friday, December 11, 2009.

She was born in Sioux Falls, Iowa on November 16, 1920, the daughter of Jordan and Mary McBroom Hanson.

In the early 1950’s she moved to Alaska where she met Ernest Torgerson and they were united in marriage in Fairbanks in 1957. In 1960 they moved to Skagit County living in Big Lake and Sedro-Woolley until settling in Lyman in 1962. She and Ernie made their home together there until his death in 1981. In 1989 she married Frank W. Myers and together they too lived in Hazel’s home in Lyman. Frank also preceded her in death in 2007.

Hazel enjoyed life on the simpler side; using her wood stove, making her own soap and growing her own fruits and vegetables. She also enjoyed traveling and just being outdoors, where she always wore her big floppy hat. Although she traveled to many places, she was always the most fond of Alaska, where she was a member of the Pioneers of Alaska. She was also an active member of the Sedro-Woolley Senior Center where she enjoyed oil painting. In recent months, she took a strong liking to playing Bingo.

Hazel is survived by her children and their spouses, William & Roseanne Torgerson of Kent, WA, Lincoln Torgerson of Stanwood, WA, John & Margaret Torgerson of Soldotna, AL, Stanley Tanny & Ronna Worcester of Oroville, CA, Debbie & Rob Johnson of Boise, ID and Jeannie Nelson of Pie Town, NM, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and close friend and former daughter-in-law, Betty Fonner of Sedro-Woolley. Besides her husbands Ernest & Frank she was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Cathy Vitalich and her brother, Harvey Hanson.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Sedro-Woolley Senior Center, 715 Pacific Street, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, or to the Pioneers of Alaska Grand Igloo, PO Box 910, Anchor Point, Alaska 99556.
A Celebration of Hazel’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2009 at 920 Maple Lane in Sedro-Woolley. There will be direction signs posted.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.