Hazel Booher

Hazel Herd Booher, 94, of Greensburg, died July 24, 2012 in Redstone Highlands. She was born in Greensburg on June 9, 1918, the daughter of William B. and Alice Baker Herd. She graduated from Greensburg High School in 1936 and attended Greensburg Business School 1936-1938. She was employed by The Prudential Insurance Co in Greensburg and later in Washington, DC from 1938 -1944, where she was a member of the "Old Guard".

She was later employed at Mountain View Inn from 1955 - 1985, where she was secretary of the corporation and in charge of the payroll department. She married Edward B. (Ned) Booher on November 11, 1942. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Greensburg for over 50 years and taught Sunday School there for many years. She was also a member of the Women's Auxiliary of Westmoreland Hospital. She was a volunteer at Westmoreland Hospital Hospitality Shop for several years where she trained and scheduled the Shop volunteers. Hazel was a charter member of Laurel Highlands Doll Club where she served as treasurer, vice-president and president. She organized and chaired Mountain View Inn Doll Show for several years, and was also a member of the Pittsburgh Doll Club as well as the UDFC, a national doll organization. She attended 4 UDFC conventions in Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Denver and Atlanta. While at Atlanta she served as a delegate, monitor, and apprentice judge. For many years she collected Barbie dolls, and at one time had over 500 in her collection. She also collected small German bisque dolls, most of which she donated to the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg. As a member of the Greensburg Art Club she studied painting and sculpture at Todd School. She worked in soapstone for many years and won several awards in local shows. She also had a piece of sculpture accepted in the National Westmoreland Arts & Heritage Festival in 1979, 1981, 1994, and 1996. Altogether she created about 40 pieces of sculpture. She was also known for reciting poetry by heart and often entertained her friends in this manner. With her husband she moved to Redstone Highlands of Greensburg retirement community in 1996, where she has continued to volunteer for that organization.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Jane Booher Schmidgal in March 2003 and a grandson, Joshua Mooney in October 2005. a son-in-law, R. Keith Bush August 8, 2011; a sister, Ethel Simmers and a brother, Rev. William B. Herd.

She is survived by her husband, Ned and 2 daughters, Helen B. Bush of Delmont and Elizabeth (Betsy) Mooney of Santa Barbara, CA, 10 grandchildren: Amy Bush Dinnison, Anthony and Sean Bush, Edward (Ned), Megan, Chad, and James J. Schmidgal, and Lucas and Christian Mooney, also 8 great-grandchildren and a great-grandchild soon to be born. Also survived by a son-in-law, Erik W. Schmidgal. Although Hazel had many interest, her main love was her family.

There will be no public visitation. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 4pm in the Chapel of Redstone Highlands, 8 Garden Center Dr. Greensburg, Pa. 15601. with Rev. Martin Ankrum officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Redstone Highlands Benevolent Care Fund or First Presbyterian Church both of Greensburg or to a charity of one's choice.

KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, INC. of Greensburg, entrusted with the arrangements

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