Hazel Anna Trusler
POLSON — Hazel Anna Trusler of Polson went to be with the Lord on Jan. 15, 2017.
Born on April 7, 1935, in Pasco, Washington, to Jerl and Ara Weber, she was the second of 14 children.
The family moved to the Mission Valley, eventually moving to Charlo, where they owned and operated a dairy farm.
After graduating from Charlo High School, Hazel attended the University of Montana for two years, majoring in journalism. She married Colvin Samsel in 1955 and they made their home in the Bitterroot Valley. Together they had six children: Lucinda (Cindy,) Carole, Keiffford (Bud), Tima, Forrest, and William (Bill). The couple divorced in 1967. Hazel and the children then moved to Polson where Hazel worked many jobs.
Hazel married Vern Trusler in 1979. She retired from the State in 1985 and after retirement she spent time enjoying her children and 22 grandchildren along with her many friends and family.
Some of Hazel’s hobbies included painting, ceramics sewing, gardening, fishing, and gold panning. Hazel’s father, Jerl and mother, Ara; brothers, Charles and Jerl; sisters, Linda and Katie; and her husband, Vern, preceded her in death.
Hazel’s six children; her three brothers, James (Pete), John and Milton Weber; and her sisters, Roberta (Dolly) Fite, Darlene Soloman, Elenore Mitchell, Lydia Pippins and Terry McQuire, survive her.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial is planned for August and the location will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to First Candle at www.firstcandle.org.
The Lake Funeral home has handled arrangements for the family.
