Hazel D. Downing

LUNENBURG - Hazel D. Downing, 89, died Sunday, afternoon, February 19, 2006, at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehab where she has been a resident since 2001.

Mrs. Downing was born in Newbury, VT, on April 9, 1916, the daughter of Knox and Mary (Abbott) Henderson.

In her youth, Hazel was very active in sports and was a graduate of Newbury High School. In 1946 she married Baxter Ball. For many years she operate Hazel's Cabins in Lunenburg through the late 60's. She was an avid hunter and fisherman right up to her early 70's. Baxter predeceased her in 1957 and she later married Frank H. Downing of Lunenburg.

She was a life member of the VFW and American Legion Auxiliaries. She was also a member of the Grange.

Family members include her son Richard B. Ball and his wife Brenda of Passumpsic; two grandsons, Richard B. Ball II and wife Rachael of Twin Mountain, James Ball and wife Lisa of Barnet; a granddaughter, Melissa Bourgeois and husband Bret of East St. Johnsbury; great-grandchildren, Zachary, Colby, Isabel, Tyler, and Caitlyn; and a sister Jean Richardson of North Haverhill. She was also predeceased by Frank in 1993; five sisters and one brother.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday evening February 22, from 6-8 PM at the Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster. A funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon at 1 PM at the Lunenburg Methodist Church. Rev. Henry Cheney, pastor will officiate. Burial will be in the spring in the Riverside Cemetery, S. Lunenburg.