Hazel Mae Gustafson (nee Hitt), 73, after battling complications from a severe
stroke two years ago, this amazing woman finally succumbed to her terminal condition
and passed away in her sleep on January 3rd, 2021, in Bakersfield, California.
Her parents were Alfreda Ruth Glass and William Andrew Hitt. Hazel was born in
Bakersfield, California on January 20, 1947. She graduated from Arvin High School and
began working at Pacific Bell Telephone Co as an operator. Then, she went to Lyle’s
Beauty College and earned her A.A degree, and finished Federico’s Beauty School to
earn her Cosmetology License and Certification. Hazel thrived as a talented
hairdresser in Bakersfield for over 40 years.
Hazel was a devoted mother to her four children and their spouses: sons
Douglas Wilson, Brian Wilson and wife Kelly, Keith Wilson and wife Molly; daughter,
Tangi and husband Ryan Williford. Hazel also opened her heart to become legal
guardian of her step-grandchildren, Tim and Mellissa Gustafson. Hazel loved her
younger brothers, Steven and Don, and older sister, Mary with all her heart. She
enjoyed watching her many nieces and nephews grow up and have families of their
own. Her hobby was to love, support, and spend time with her family. To support her
children’s and grandchildren’s education, Hazel always volunteered her time to help in
the classroom, became a Girl’s Scout Leader, and Boy Scout Den Leader. Most of all,
Hazel loved the Lord and enjoyed starting her day quietly praying and reading her bible.
She always looked forward to having fellowship with her friends and sister in her weekly
Ladies’ Bible Study group.
Hazel is survived by her brothers Steven and Don Whatley, and sister, Mary
Grider; her four children, Douglas, Brian, Keith, and Tangi, and two step-sons, Jeff and
Rick Gustafson; her grandchildren, Tim, Mellissa, Brianna, Aaron, Morgan, Jacob,
Cecelia, Brittany, Michael, Sophia, John, Jack, and Luke; along with 6
step-grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. Hazel was preceded in death by her
parents; husbands, Doug Wilson, Arnold Story, and Allan Gustafson, and grandson,
Michael Daniels.
Services will be held at Greenlawn Southwest on Thursday, January 14, 2021.
Viewing will be held in building A, the Main Chapel, from 1:00-2:00pm,
followed by a graveside service at 2:15 pm in Lakeview Garden, Greenlawn Southwest Memorial Park, 2739 Panama Lane in Bakersfield, California 93313.