Hazel Loretta Gebelin

Hazel Loretta Gebelin, 93, of Dover, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 20, 2022 in Community Hospice Truman House at New Philadelphia, following a period of declining health.

Born in Barnhill, she was the daughter of the late John and Blanche (Fiester) Hunter and a graduate of the former Midvale High School. Following high school, Loretta worked for the New Philadelphia Municipal Court and then served as the private secretary for the Administrator of Union Hospital at Dover.

On August 24, 1957, Loretta married Francis E. Gebelin and it was from that point on that she spent the rest of her life loving, caring and nurturing her three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In keeping with her matrimonial vow of “in sickness and in health,” Loretta tended to the daily care of her husband who suffered with a debilitating illness day and night for the last 5 years of his life. She would often share that some of her happiest memories were of Sunday family dinners and her loved ones are blessed with a multitude of memories of such happy times filled with love and laughter. The love she had for her family knew no bounds with holidays filled with special dishes and extra loving care such as picture-perfect Easter baskets and dozens of beautiful Christmas cookies. Her happiest times were always filled with food, love and laughter while surrounded by family. She was also a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover, and she often volunteered as a room mother, in the cafeteria, and at festival booths and spaghetti dinners.

Loretta and Francis shared over 48 years of marriage before his passing in March 2006. Surviving are two daughters, Ruth Ann Glasgow of Dover, and Patricia (Steve) Miller of Sugarcreek; a sister, Bertha Barcus of New Philadelphia; three grandchildren, Erica (Scott) Rozek, Chris Miller and Brittany Miller; two great grandchildren, Noah, and Rylee Rozek; two sisters-in-law, Sherry Hunter and Linda Feister and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Loretta was preceded in death by her son, Michael Alan Gebelin; three sisters, Erma Clagg, Ruth Cihon, Gloria Jean Hunter and four brothers, Albert Fiester, Jack Hunter, Jimmy Hunter, and Alan Hunter.

In keeping with her wishes, a private graveside service was held in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia with Pastor Brian Flood officiating. The Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia was entrusted with Loretta’s arrangements.

As a special thank you for the complete comfort and care provided to Loretta, the family requests that memorial contributions in Loretta’s memory be directed to Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.