Hazel Marie Riley, age 91, died in Oak Harbor, Washington, on June 15, 2015. She was at home surrounded by her family in her passing. Hazel was born on May 12, 1924 in Chicago to Cuyler and Dagmar Wenberg.

Hazel was a woman of faith, family, friendships, and countless adventures. Her faith came alive in her teen years. She graduated from Glenbard High School in Illinois and then worked as an administrative assistant at nearby Wheaton College. There she was part of singing groups that supported the college “preacher boys” including Billy Graham.

Ernest Frost, an Army Air Force pilot on leave from his WWII duties, met Hazel at the college and a match was made. They were married on her birthday in 1945. After the war Ernie was twice recalled to the Air Force to fly: first for the Berlin Airlift and then for the Korean conflict. This turned into a 20-year flying career for Ernie and to a growing family for Hazel to watch over in the many moves of a military family. Ernest William II—Bill—arrived first, then came Ronald, David, and Susan.

In these years Hazel earned a pilot’s license—a “just in case” measure as she flew at times with Ernie and children on light aircraft. She served others as well including support care for Christian workers in Japan and teaching Conversational English to Japanese teens. In Hawaii she and Ernie helped with a church plant—the Windward Baptist Church—and offered ongoing hospitality to guests and friends.

After Hawaii came Air Force moves to Utah, South Dakota, and Montana. In each setting Ernie, Hazel, and the family were active in local churches and new friendships that grew around Hazel’s warm hospitality. When Ernie took up a new career in Spokane, Hazel also became a teacher as the children moved into adult life.

She first earned a BA in English at Whitworth College with a secondary teaching certificate in 1970. One year later she earned an M.Ed. in Counseling and Guidance, again at Whitworth, and then she earned her Continuing Level Counselor Certification at Gonzaga University in 1975. With her education in place Hazel served in Spokane as a teacher at Rogers High School; then she developed and directed the SCOPE program for underachieving students at North Central High School; and then she moved to become an administrator and counselor at Shaw Junior High School. This was followed by Hazel launching a small counseling practice.

On the side Hazel enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, golfing, knitting, painting, cooking, reading, writing, and hosting the many meals and gatherings stirred by her teenage children.

In 1982 Ernie and Hazel both retired from their professional careers and moved to Oak Harbor, Washington. They had discovered Whidbey Island years earlier during a summer camping trip and wanted that to be their retirement home.

Hazel was widowed with Ernie’s sudden death in 1987. That family tragedy was followed before long by a family delight. Daughter Susan introduced Hazel to a member of the Oak Harbor Presbyterian Church she was attending. That member, Russell R. Riley, had lost his wife within a month of Ernie’s death. The result was a wonderful match: they were married on September 17, 1988. Russ had two adult children, David and Brian, from his first marriage. David is his surviving son. Brian, who died in 2002, was married to Sue Aschinger. Their son is also named Russell.

The Riley bond—a Swede and an Irishman—made for lots of lively conversations and laughs. They loved fishing, golfing, and traveling together. She was competitive well into her eighties. Summers spent at Priest Lake, Idaho—shared with some close friends—were a special treat for both of them. Travels to Germany, England, Sweden, and Mexico were highlights too. A Christmas dinner for the extended family is a special memory Hazel and Russ shared with the clan. In 2010 a set of strokes slowed Hazel down physically but her presence continued to be clear and strong. Special delight came with visiting grandchildren and great-grandchildren—Hazel’s smiles were never broader than when the small ones came to visit.

Hazel was loved and will be missed by all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, June 27, at the San de Fuca Chapel in Coupeville, WA, with a reception following. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home.

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