Cloudy, 40° F
Hazel June Slater Bjornestad passed away on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019, at Powell Valley Care Center surrounded by her loved ones. She had just turned 87 years old.
Hazel was born in Nevada, Missouri, on Nov. 11, 1932, to Clara (Trapp) and Roy Slater. The family later moved to Wyoming. Hazel graduated from Thermopolis High School.
After high school, Hazel married Bernard Bjornestad. Together they worked on their farm in the Heart Mountain area, and they had three children. They later divorced but remained lifelong friends.
Hazel moved to Montana where she worked as a bookkeeper and a printer’s assistant. After she retired, she moved back to Powell, Wyoming. Throughout her life she enjoyed fishing, painting, reading, sewing, bowling, golf and horseback riding. She also enjoyed gardening and growing house plants. She was interested in aviation, and even took lessons toward earning her pilot’s license.
Throughout her life, Hazel was involved in many clubs. She was a member of the Elks and Eagles, and very involved in 4-H. She was an avid card player and played bridge up until she passed away.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, ex-husband Bernie, sisters Margaret, Stella, and Bernice, and brothers-in-law Art Gifford, Bud Hocken and Keith Elton.
She is survived by her brother Steve (Donna) Slater, children Mike Bjornestad, Mark (Rita) Bjornestad, and Barbara (Mark) Kessler, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
Services will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Thompson Funeral Home. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with services starting at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Memorials can be sent to The American Cancer Society.
Thompson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be sent to them at www.thompsonfuneral.net or P.O. Box 807, Powell, WY 82435.
