Hazel May (DeGayner) Dault

Hazel was the only daughter of Ralph and Marie (Seeger) DeGayner, born on July 28, 1934, in Iron Mountain. She was raised at Silver Lake, north of Channing. She attended Channing High School, graduating as valedictorian of her class in 1952. She attended Northern Michigan University for a short time until her marriage to James J. Dault Sr. on Dec. 27, 1952. They spent the last year of his Air Force duty at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M. They then returned to Iron Mountain to live and raised their eight children.

In addition to both parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; and brothers, Eugene, Ralph and Felton.

Left to cherish her memory are Hazel’s eight children, Celeste Dault, Janelle (Tim) Moraska, James (Marie) Dault Jr., Marianne (Albert) Vega, Nanette (Jim) Paquette, Maria (Mark) Diekema, Jeffrey Dault, and David (Linda) Dault. She also leaves 21 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren – soon to be 32; and two brothers, Clayton and Alden DeGayner.

Genealogy was one of her many passions and she helped others trace their family trees for more than 35 years. When she retired and moved into a smaller home she donated all her materials and information about the people of Dickinson County to the Menominee Range Historical Museum. She was also a member and past president of the Dickinson County Genealogical Society.

Wood carving was a hobby which she shared with her husband Jim. They belonged to the Wood Bee Carving Club until his death in 2003. Hazel loved her flower gardens and enjoyed sharing them with family friends and the public; having tours each summer for many years while living on Bass Lake Road. She was a member of the Gardening Angels for years.

Quilting was another passion, making at least 45 quilts for her children and grandchildren. She joined the Spinning Spools Quilting Guild at age 80 and made many new friends.

Basket making was also dear to her, she loved making baskets for the family. Her favorites were useful for baskets such as fishing creels, backpacks, and apple pickers. Many are on display at her daughter Nanette’s shop in Wakefield.

Bay Life, which she joined as a senior citizen, interested her and challenged her to keep learning. She met new people and made new friends in her last years.

Hazel was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace church where she enjoyed working on funeral luncheons and the decorating committee for many years.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Fr. Mike Woempner will offer the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Queen of Peace Church in Kingsford at 11 am.

Burial will take place in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek alongside her dear Jim, according to his wishes.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers for the church service.

Condolences to the family of Hazel M. Dault may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.