Hazel Loretta Minerich age 79 of Sedro-Woolley, passed away peacefully at Home Place in Burlington, Wednesday, October 8, 2003. Hazel was born November 19, 1923 in Broken Bow, Nebraska to Clarence and Leora Mae Longnecker Swope. She graduated from Ansley High School in Nebraska and attended College in Kearney, Nebraska where she earned her teaching certificate and taught school for two years in a rural one room schoolhouse. Later moving to Denver she worked at Fitzsimons General Hospital and in 1948 she moved to Mount Vernon to live with her grandmother Winifred Longnecker. Hazel accepted a job as a bookkeeper for the Carnation Milk Company were she met John Minerich. They were married at the Minerich family home on the Hoehn Road in Sedro-Woolley, making their home there for 43 years. After the passing of John in July of 1992 until October of 2001 Hazel resided at the family home. Neighbors, caregivers, family and friends of Hazel helped and assisted in many different ways prior to her move to Home Place. Her family sincerely thanks all for their help. Hazel was employed by the Sedro-Woolley School District for over 20 years, retiring as the office secretary at Cascade Middle School. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi fraternity since 1965, Sedro-Woolley Senior center and volunteered at the Sedro-Woolley Museum. Hazel loved meeting people, dancing and music. She is survived by three children; Vyonne and her husband Douglas Carter, Charles Minerich and his wife Lynn and Gary Minerich all of Skagit County. Two grandchildren Elisa and Jesse Minerich, two brothers Clarence and Duane Swope of Colorado and other relatives. A memorial service will be Sunday, October 12, 2003, at 3:00 p.m., at the home of Vyonne and Douglas Carter, 25619 Hoehn Rd., next door to home of Hazel, with Pastor Rick Picklesimer officiating. Memorials may made to the Hazel L. Minerich Scholarship Fund, c/o Sedro-Woolley School District #101, 801 Trail Rd., Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. ARRANGEMENTS BY LEMLEY CHAPEL.