Hazel Ann (Wanker) Smith

Hazel Ann (Wanker) Smith, 91, of Baker City and formerly of Medical Springs, died Jan. 22, at St. Elizabeth Care Center.

A funeral service was held Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A vault interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery followed.

Hazel was born Oct. 25, 1916, to James Robert Wanker and Zena Belle (Whitten) Wanker at the Wanker's ranch in Medical Springs, and married Ernest Smith on June 28, 1940. In 1943, Ernest and Hazel purchased the ranch in Medical Springs on which she was born and raised. The couple raised three sons: Gary, Dallas and Larry. They sold the ranch in 1972 and moved to Baker City.

At 17, Hazel was a princess in the first Miner's Jubilee, held in 1934. Hazel rode in the parade again in 2004. Hazel loved to go fishing, picking mushrooms and spending time with her family. The family and neighbors would take a wagon and some cream cans to the mountains and stay for a week at a time to pick huckleberries. She won several contests for catching the biggest steelhead. She enjoyed quilting and embroidery, and still did perfect work at the age of 91.

Those who knew her say Hazel had a great sense of humor, always making others laugh, and had a kind heart.

Hazel is survived by her husband; sons and daughters-in-law, Gary and Judy Smith, Dallas and Peggy Smith and Larry and Deby Smith; ten grandchildren and their spouses; three great-granddaughters; a great-grandson; and another expected in "April; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Connections of Baker City in care of Gray's West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Baker City 97814.