Hazel was born at home on the family farm in Ada, Oklahoma on December 25, 1919 to Myrtle and William Tippins.  Hazel met her future husband, Verner Slaton at a local barn dance, and the couple married in 1934, the union lasted for 63 years until his death in 1997. Their only child, Barbara, was born in 1936.  Hazel worked alongside Vern on a small farm in Erick, Oklahoma, growing cotton during the difficult depression years.  The family migrated to Inglewood, California in search of a better life, like many who struggled in the “dustbowl” area of the country at that time.

Hazel, a self-taught fine seamstress, soon found work in the garment district of downtown Los Angeles. She later started her own seamstress business, which she continued into her eighties. Hazel had a lifelong love of music and dancing, enjoying concerts at the Hollywood bowl, and membership in a family square dance club.

The family moved to “the country” in Thousand Oaks, Ca. building a home overlooking a creek upon Vern’s retirement. They spent many years there enjoying time with extended family, maintaining a large garden, going on beach outings, and taking road trips to the Gold Rush Country & Oregon Coast. Hazel was accomplished at quilting and crochet. Hazel and Vern loved country music, and made many lifelong friends through their membership in the Old Time Fiddlers Association.

They later moved to Leisure Village in Camarillo, Ca. to be closer to daughter Barbara and her husband Russ. Hazel was very active there: swimming and line dancing daily. She enjoyed several trips around the country, to Hawaii, and summers visiting daughter Barb and her husband Russ in their vacation home in Sandpoint, Idaho. Following the passing of Vern and son-in-law Russ, Hazel joined Barbara in the big move to Eagle, Idaho to be close to family.

Hazel loved watching ice skating and home decorating shows, enjoyed finding a bargain at a garage sale or second hand store, and eating out. Hazel made many new dear friends in her neighborhood. She enjoyed many new adventures on the “road less travelled”, and loved playing dominos weekly with “the girls”. Hazel lived independently and exemplified resiliency of spirit. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Velma and Pearly, nieces Jean and Sammye, husband Verner, son-in-law Russ, and daughter Barbara. She is survived by grand-daughter Melissa and her husband Mike, and great-grandsons Chris and Jordan of Eagle, Idaho.

Hazel enjoyed attending the United Methodist Church in Camarillo, Ca., and the Cathedral of the Rockies in Boise. A memorial service will be held Monday, June 14^th, 2010 at 11am at the Cathedral of the Rockies First United Methodist Church, Cana Chapel. Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home, Meridian. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.accentfuneral.com