Hazel A. Smittle

Hazel A. Smittle, 82, of New Boston passed away Friday July 14, 2023 in Columbus. Hazel Alfreida Riggs was born in Portsmouth Ohio June 23rd, 1941, to Clyde and Mary Riggs. She attended Portsmouth High School and was a proud member of the 1959 graduating class. Hazel attended multiple universities including Ohio University, Xavier University and THE Ohio State University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in education and master’s degrees in special education. Hazel was married to Freddie Joe Smittle of New Boston. Together they had one child, Lowell Thomas Smittle or as most of you know him….. L.T. Hazel spent her adult life teaching. She spent the majority of her 37-year career in the New Boston City School district where she was devoted to the youth of New Boston. Her students loved her and many of them still talk about the impact that she had on their lives. She loved her kids as if they were her own. Hazel also loved to spend time on her hobbies. She spent hours knitting, crocheting and doing all kinds of creative things with yarns and fabrics. Hazel also loved to cook treats, especially around the holidays. Bourbon balls and hard tack candy were some of the favorites. She was most proud of her peanut brittle. Hazel is survived by her son, L.T. , Granddaughter, Riley Nicole Smittle, Grandsons; Cameron Joseph Smittle , Landon Richard Smittle and Logan David Smittle. The Riggs family was very large and spans many generations. With that being said, she is also survived by her baby sister Jo Ellen Martin of Westerville, Ohio. Along with too many nieces and nephews to count that are spread all over this great country. Hazel was preceded in death by several members of the Riggs Family including her mother and father. Hazel will now be able to be reunited with her sisters; Helen, Bonnie, Norma, Lola and Kay Ann. She will also be able to rejoice when she is greeted in the afterlife by her brothers; Jack, Ralph, Tom, and Ken. Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday July 19, 2023 at D.W. SWICK FUNERAL HOME in New Boston with Reverend Matt Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 6 to 8 PM Tuesday July 18, 2023 and 10 to 11 AM prior to services on Wednesday. Online condolences may be sent to DWSwickFuneralHome.com