Obituary of Hazel E. Rugh

Hazel E. Rugh,92 of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, April 22, in Select Specialty Hospital, Latrobe, PA. She was born December 27, 1925 in Youngwood, Pa, a daughter of the late Harry S. and Gladys M. Seaman. Jones. She was a member of the Reunion Presbyterian Church in Mount Pleasant, PA. Hazel graduated from the United States Cadet Nurse Corps, Westmoreland Hospital, in 1946 and continued her nursing career until she completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in education from the University of Pittsburgh. She began a career in elementary education in 1967. She was a dedicated grade school teacher in the Hempfield School District at Stanwood and Fort Allen Elementary Schools. Her enthusiasm for teaching third and fourth-grade students provided many fond and long-lasting memories, according to the many students she met in later years, and especially the seasonal candy-making and the musical puppet shows that were produced by her students. She proudly organized the first Girl Scout Troop in Mt. Pleasant while working full-time and raising her family as a single parent. Following her retirement from teaching in 1985, she resumed her active volunteer service for the American Red Cross, including blood bank services and babysitter certification training at WCCC. She earned the American Red Cross Nurse of the Year Award in 1993. Hazel served in several church positions from Sunday school superintendent to deacon. She also volunteered for the Hannastown Historical Society. In her retirement, she especially enjoyed international travel with her daughter, Paula through Germany, family visits in Hawaii, senior outings throughout this region, outings with the Red Hats, swimming with the Water Liles, luncheons of the Retired Nurses, and much more. Most of all, she treasured going out with her numerous friends, craft-making and pie baking with her grandchildren, and all other family events centered on her beloved pets and her backyard pool and patio. Hazel is survived by her three children; Paula D. Thayer of Annapolis, MD, Samuel P. Rugh of Mt. Pleasant, and Timothy R. Rugh of McLean, VA and by her four grandchildren; Karina and Andrew Thayer of Annapolis, MD, Haley K. Brusso of Alexandria, VA and Corbin P. Rugh of Chicago, IL. In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Capt. Samuel Paul Rugh in 1955, her sister, Eleanor Faust, her brother, Ted Jones, and by her grandson, Timothy Thayer. Hazel's family would like to express their deep gratitude to Missy and all the caring nurses and doctors of the Excela Palliative Care team, Select Specialty Hospital in Latrobe, and Rev. Sue Washburn and the loving faith community of Reunion Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, Hazel's family suggests Memorial contributions may be made to Animal Friends of Westmoreland, 216 Depot Street, Youngwood, PA 15697 or the Reunion Presbyterian Church, 769 Main Street, Mt. Pleasant, PA 15666, in Memory of Hazel E. Rugh. Family and friends will be received Friday, April 27 from 6 until 8 P.M. at the Galone-Caruso Funeral Home, 204 Eagle St. Mt. Pleasant. Hazel's Memorial service will held Saturday, April 28, at 1:00 P.M. at the Reunion Presbyterian Church, 769 Main St., Mt. Pleasant, PA, with her Pastor, the Rev. Susan Washburn officiating. Private Inurnment will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. To offer an onlince condolence, please visit our web site at: www.galone-carusofuneralhome.com