The Reverend Hazel Alene Winterburn, of Portage, Michigan, died on Tuesday, June 6th at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo surrounded by family.

Hazel was born in Kalamazoo on July 31, 1939 to Alene and Clarence Winterburn. Hazel graduated from Comstock High School in 1957 and received her undergraduate degree in primary education from Western Michigan University. She taught elementary school in Chicago for two years. She then served as a missionary in Mexico for five years. She participated in developing a youth camp in Monterey Mexico which is now one of the major youth camps for the United Methodist Church in Mexico.

Following her work in Mexico, Hazel attended seminary school at both Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston Illinois, and the United Theological Seminary in Dayton Ohio where she received her ordination into the United Methodist Church. Pastor Hazel served seven faith communities in Wisconsin over her thirty year calling in the church. Her last appointment was at Faith United Methodist Church in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin. One of the first women to be ordained in the United Methodist church, Hazel was an accomplished woman who devoted her entire life to serving Christ.

Hazel is proceeded in death by parents Alene Kinney (Winterburn) Nichols, and Clarence Winterburn, and brother Charles Winterburn.

Hazel is survived by her brother John (Shirley) Winterburn, sister in law Nancy Winterburn, nieces/nephews Janet Winterburn(Scott) Mayhew, Jill Winterburn Davis and Charles (Christy) Winterburn. Great nieces/nephews Katie Mayhew, Josh Mayhew, Alyssa Mayhew, Olivia Davis, Caroline Davis, Charles Thomas Winterburn and Avery Winterburn.

A memorial service is planned at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church at 7028 Oakland Dr, Portage Michigan, 49024 on Wednesday, June 13th at 11 am. Those wishing to give a memorial may donate in Hazel’s name to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.