10/21/2016
Hazel Ruby (Shively) Blanshine of Lititz, PA, went home to her lord and savior, Jesus Christ, October 21, 2016. She had been under the care of Masonic Village Hospice, Elizabethtown, PA following a severe stroke suffered on May 1st which left her partially paralyzed and unable to speak.
Her last few months were made as uplifting as possible due to the excellent care she received and frequent visits from family and friends. The family thanks all who became or remained a part of her life during this time. Although she could not speak it was clear that she was fully cognizant of her situation and really appreciated everyone. She indicated that she was ready to move on to her eternal reward. Consequently we, her family, are happy for her as she gets to meet her God face to face as well as be reunited with loved ones who have preceded her in this phase of life.
Hazel was born September 20, 1919 in Fremont, Michigan to Ruby Sanford Shively and Elmer Shively and was one of nine children. Hazel spent her growing up years in various locations in Michigan. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Allison Walter Blanshine whom she married in 1942 and who died in 1999, just days after their 57th wedding anniversary. She is survived by two siblings: Lucille Yezic and Dale Shively; three sons: James & wife Donna, Robert, and Ronald & wife Elise; four grandchildren: Deborah, David, Alison and Christopher, and three great-grandchildren: Jennifer, Edward and Brynlee who referred to her as Gramma-Great.
Hazel spent her growing up years in various locations in Michigan. In 1942 she graduated with a degree in Registered Nursing from Mercy Hospital of Nursing, Muskegon, MI. She moved to Racine, WI with her new husband and then, back with her parents when Allison was drafted and deployed to Europe in 1945. When he was done serving his country Allison and Hazel lived in Battle Creek, MI, Honolulu, HI, then Leola and Lititz, PA. She was employed as a registered nurse in the medical practice of Dr. Floyd Landis in Leola and as a private duty nurse until her retirement.
When the family first moved to Pennsylvania, they joined the Leola Methodist Church where Hazel became active in United Methodist Women and other activities. She and her husband loved spending time with extended family, traveling here and abroad, square dancing, and camping. Hazel enjoyed studying handwriting and was active in her grapho-analysis club.
Hazel loved her three sons dearly but always lamented she had no daughters. When her son Jim married Donna Davies and her son Ron married Elise Hoover, she was thrilled that the three of them got along so well. She would say “finally, I have daughters”.
A service celebrating her life will be held at Leola United Methodist Church, 7 West Main St., Leola, PA 17540 on Friday October 28, 10:30 a.m. preceded by a viewing at 10:00 a.m. A viewing also will be held Thursday evening Oct. 27, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Furman Home for Funerals, 59 West Main St., Leola, PA 17540. In lieu of flowers please consider a gift to the “Love Fund”, Leola United Methodist Church, or Masonic Village Hospice, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022.
