Hazel Bell (Madden) Sherwood

Hazel Bell Madden was born on December 2, 1920 in Coffeyville, Kansas to Martha Kaufman and Clyde Madden. Hazel was married to Jack Pierce in 1940 and had two children, Jackie and Jim. She was later married to Tom Staton, though he passed away early in their marriage.

Hazel married Rufus Everett Sherwood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Seattle Temple in 1982 and inherited a large family of kids and grands who loved Grandma Hazel! She worked for American Building Material (ABM) for a number of years, and later took up quilting. Most of her family are happy recipients of her quilts, wall hangings, or placemats and enjoyed seeing much of her work adorning the walls of their home, complete with County Fair prize ribbons! Hazel taught quilting classes in her home and could often be seen making quilts for the new babies. She was also known as the $2 Grandma because she never forgot a birthday with a card and a $2 bill.

Hazel will be remembered as a happy, positive person who loved life! She was so grateful for the many caring friends she spent time with quilting or canning. Hazel could often be found playing hostess to friends and family who came to visit. She especially appreciated membership and friends in her Church.

After Rufus told their friend, Karen Bruggman, that she had “some important work to do,” Karen took it to heart and served as Hazel’s confidant and caregiver for a number of years after Rufus passed at 103 in 2011. The family is so grateful for the love and caring both Karen and Dave have given to Hazel! In lieu of a big 100th birthday party due to Covid, Hazel was greeted by family and friends who had a drive-by in the Church parking lot! They all waved and wished her a happy birthday as each received Hazel’s favorite Hershey’s chocolate bar. For years, her motto was “half-a-can of Pepsi and a Hershey bar every day!”

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Juanita (or Sissy, as Hazel called her), brothers Harrison (or Sonny), Charles, Clyde, and Michael, her son Jim, and her sweetheart, Rufus. We know that Hazel is now smiling, active, and busy again on the other side, reunited with Rufus, her family, and getting acquainted with Ella by her side.

A viewing will be held from 12:00-4:00 PM on Friday, September 2nd, at Butterworth Funeral Home, 520 W Raye St, Seattle, WA 98119. Due to distance involved, the interment will take place first at Cedar Lawns Memorial Park, 7200 180th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052, at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 3rd, with a Memorial at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7950 228th St SW, Edmonds, WA 98026 at 1:00 PM on the 3rd.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the family.