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Hazel Marie (Copeland) Baker

WESTERVILLE - Hazel Marie (Copeland) Baker, 104, formerly of Salineville, passed away Friday evening, Sept. 23, 2011, in Westerville, Ohio, with her family at her side.

She was born Aug. 26, 1907, in Jewett, Ohio, a daughter of the late John and Miranda Rutledge Copeland.

Hazel "Ze" was a retired teacher from Southern Local Schools where she first taught in the classroom and later returned to school to get her Master's Degree in Library Science. She set up and operated the library at the new Southern Local High School in 1963. She was a member of the Ohio State Teachers Honorary. She will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of teaching and poetry, and for her beautiful flower pictures. Hazel was a member of the Central College Presbyterian Church in Westerville.

She is survived by one daughter, Norma (Fred) Ahlborn of Westerville; one son, Jack (Paulette) Baker of North Canton; grandchildren, Chris Ahlborn, Cassie (Mike) Riehle, Jennifer (Phil) Kozen, Susan (Mike) George and Jonathan (Lynn Rau) Baker; and five great-grandchildren.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Baker.

Family and friends may visit the Kerr-Pastore Funeral Home, 36 West Main St., Salineville, from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011, with graveside services following immediately at Woodland Cemetery.

A memorial service celebrating Hazel's life will be held at a later date at Central College Presbyterian Church in Westerville.