Hazel E. Deater's Obituary
Hazel E. Deater, age 78, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 14, 1946, to Arthur and Flossie (Hotchkiss) Kinney in Muskegon, MI, where she remained a lifelong resident. Hazel graduated from Muskegon High School, Class of 1966, and went on to earn her associate’s degree from Muskegon Community College. She devoted many years of service as a nurse’s aide at Christian Care and MOKA, where her compassion and dedication touched countless lives. On June 22, 1967, Hazel married James Chester at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Together they shared 38 wonderful years filled with love, laughter, and adventures, especially their joy of traveling. James preceded her in death in 2005. She later married John Ray Deater in 2007. Faith was central to Hazel’s life. She was a devoted servant of the Lord and a member of both St. James Catholic Church and River of Life Fellowship Church, where she formed lasting bonds within her church family. Hazel’s many talents included cooking, knitting, and sewing, but she especially loved camping and exploring new places across the U.S. Above all, she treasured her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, spending countless hours caring for and babysitting her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the children of family friends. Hazel will be remembered for her nurturing spirit, her love of children, and the joy she brought to others through her infectious laugh, sense of humor, and radiant smile. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. She is survived by her daughter, Christine Twork; three grandchildren, Crystal (Andrew) Miller, Andrew Twork and Patrick Twork; two great-grandchildren, Leon and Willow Miller; brother, Arthur “Carl” Hotchkiss; three stepchildren, Bradley Deater, Megan Deater and Brian Deater; three step grandchildren; one step great-grandchild; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband, James Chester; son, Daniel Chester; brother, Arthur “Art” Kinney; and six sisters, Belle Barden, Clista Haisma, Mae Osborn, Dorothy Samuelson, Harriett Johnson and Millie Parsons. A Celebration of Hazel’s Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at the River of Life Fellowship Church, 4860 Holton Rd., Twin Lake, MI 49457, with a visitation one-hour prior. Memorial Contributions in her honor can be directed to the family. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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