Post #24 HAZEL C WHEELER LEONARD, PERRY,                                                          KOONTZ

Hazel is the step-grandmother to many of us. She married our Grandpa--Lyle Elbert Koontz on 5 Jan, 1937. Five years and 3 months after our grandmother Doris's death.

Grandpa Married Doris on Jan. 16, 1907, their marriage lasted until her death in 1931---24 years and 9 months, and 10 children later.

Grandpa's marriage to Hazel lasted until his death in 1964, 27 years and 5 months. Hazel died in April of 1968, living 4 more years.

I could find little information on her but will share what I have found.

Grandpa was Hazel's 3rd marriage. I have seen a copy of their wedding certificate and Aunt Lois (Boulger), signed it as a witness. Hazel's first marriage was to John D Leonard, on 20 April 1908. They had 4 girls--Irene, Dorothy, Gladys and Lois. I can't find a death date for him. So, I don't know that he died and that ended the marriage or a divorce? Her second husbands last name was Perry. I do know that he died because she was listed as a widow in the 1930 census and her name was Perry at that time. In 1930 she was working as a cook in a hotel in Port Angeles, WA.

As far as education she completed 2 years of high school.

I can only remember meeting Hazel once, she was one of the largest persons I had ever seen. I marveled at my young age that I couldn't even see her elbows! I do remember her being kind to me. My dad, Paul, was estranged from his dad for many years. He was very unhappy when his dad married Hazel. He said the "peace went out of the house". But he was around the age of 12 and that can be a difficult time. So, at this young age he left home. He told me that he hid in the back seat of the family car and crawled out when they stopped, and never went back.

I have not been able to find a picture of Hazel. If anyone else has a memory or a picture please feel free to share.

Patty