Hazel E. Hemmens, 94, of Rockford, formerly of Belvidere, passed away on December 28, 2016 in the loving presence of her family in Loves Park, IL. The daughter of William and Mata (Johannsen) Butterworth, Hazel was born on March 15, 1922 in Belvidere. For over twenty-five years, she was employed as a bookkeeper and office manager for Dr. Clausius in Belvidere. On October 4, 1942, she married the love of her life, Gerald, in Freeport, Il. He preceded her in death on August 3, 2000.

Hazel was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Belvidere. She enjoyed crafts especially needlepoint and painting. She especially loved reading Western novels and collected Western art. She was an avid coin collector and created fond memories traveling with her husband and kids and all the motor home trips. She will be missed for her great sense of humor, her practical jokes, her feisty attitude, love for animals, Christmas and Halloween, the color purple, and chocolate. She was very loved by her friends and family and will be remembered fondly for her gracious generosity.

Here to cherish Hazel's memory are her children, Cindy (Ted) Stenerson, Mike (Karen) Hemmens, and Larry (Rosanne) Hemmens; grandchildren, Walker Stenerson, Erica (Jason) Redmon, Lindy (Steve) Sockwell, Jason (Jennifer) Hemmens, and Jennifer (Gary) Teuber; greatgrandchildren, Hannah, Austin, Samantha, Isabella, Andrew, Phoebe, and Charlie.

Hazel, is predeceased in death by her parents, William and Mata; her loving husband, Gerald; infant son, Terry; sister, Charlotte Butterworth; and brother, Robert Butterworth.

The family would like to thank Transitions Hospice and the staff and nurses at East Bank Rehab Center for their exceptional care.

A memorial service, celebrating Hazel's life will be held on at 11:00 A.M., Monday, January 9, 2017 at First Presbyterian Church, 221 N. Main Street, Belvidere, with Rev. Dr. Robert Kopp, officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial can be made in the name of Fresh Start Animal Shelter or Noah's Ark in Rockford. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.