Hazel Louise Ring (Benson, Marrier), at age 90, passed away on April 2, 2024, peacefully at her home surrounded by loving family. Hazel was born May 6, 1933 to parents Amiel and Ethel Benson.
She graduated from Bruce High School and later in life completed an Associates Degree at an Eau Claire Technical School. From there she went on to join the Wicks Lumber Company in Eau Claire. She started as an in-store employee but soon worked her way to being the first woman to work outside sales in the history of this national company. She was recognized early for her strong work ethic and tenacity. As a new Wick’s rep she encountered a contractor who refused to come off a roof to talk with her so she climbed the ladder to meet him there. He went on to be her best customer. Soon after joining the sales team she bet the CEO 25 silver dollars that she could sell one million dollars of product. She reached her goal as the first and only woman to achieve this level of success. Four members of the national executive team flew from Detroit to Eau Claire to pay off the bet and honor her at a company banquet.
Hazel came out of retirement at age 65 to join her son Scott’s company, Trophy Trailers, as a receptionist. She quickly advanced to be their purchasing agent and was well known for her negotiation skills. For the final 15 years she headed the sales department, working until the young age of 88 and loving every minute, especially the friendships she developed with her dealers.
Earlier in life she was co-owner, along with her good friend, Tootie Bonk (Mueller) of the Withee Mercantile store. Following that she was owner of the “Hayloft” in Withee where she was famous for her delicious barbecue and hot beef sandwiches.
In addition to Hazel’s love of family and loyalty to friends, she had many passions. She was a master quilter with her award winning quilts being displayed in many shows. Hazel was known to donate lovely quilts to raffles to raise funds for worthy causes. This included one that raised $6,000 for a new organ for St. Katherine’s church. She was also a fanatical gardener where countless hours of care yielded the most beautiful flower beds and a highly productive vegetable garden which resulted in countless preserves she shared with family. Her pickles were the family favorite. Hazel’s competitive nature carried over into the family tradition of playing cards well into the night at every gathering. She rarely lost.
Hazel’s passion for helping others led her to many charitable activities involving St. Katherine’s Church of Owen where she was a lifelong member. Her efforts multiplied once her husband Rev. Anthony Ring became the church pastor. She inspired and organized a group of local women to make quilts for the homeless with a focus on veterans. This group is credited with making and donating 2,885 quilts. Hazel worked tirelessly with other church women to support activities for the community. That included an annual free Thanksgiving dinner and monthly soup and sandwich meals. Hazel and the church women (ECW) also started an annual “Christmas Cookie Walk” which continues to fill the cookie jars of the community today.
Hazel was also a passionate supporter of the “Hand’s Foundation”, tirelessly raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the groups two focus missions: the "Save St. Hedwig Project” in Thorp Wisconsin, and “Every Third Saturday” (ETS), a non-profit organization committed to helping homeless and at-risk veterans. Visit the ETS website if you would like to help in Hazel’s honor: everythirdsaturday.net.
Hazel is survived by husband Rev. Anthony Ring. Hazel and Tony married October 18, 1980. Hazel is also survived by her children: Scott Marrier (Debbie), Dawn Auclair, Kurt Marrier; grandchildren: Shauna Johnson (Christian), Darrell Marrier (Nicole), Chauncey Marrier (Melissa Miller), Travis Auclair (Elise Velasco), Tyler Auclair (Kaylee); great-grandchildren Elijah, Mikayla, Antonina, and Amara Kostick, Warren, Ava, and Emma Marrier, Rebelle Velasco, Palmer and Baker Auclair; great-great-grandchildren Will, EJ, Vigo and Aleks. Hazel is preceded in death by her parents Amiel and Ethel Benson; siblings Burt, Don, Jim, Lillian and Marge; and her beloved son-in-law Fred Auclair. Hazel is also preceded in death by her first husband, Darrell Marrier and his parents Chauncey and Ann.
The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Riverside Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice, both for their kind and compassionate care. A special thank you to RN Kati Kunhart at Riverside for giving Hazel and Tony a loving home; Hospice RN Breanna Schuld who went way above meeting Hazel’s needs including giving her a lovely manicure; and to Chaplain Jeffrey Ahonen whose musical visits Hazel so enjoyed.
Hazel will be laid to rest on Saturday June 1, 2024. Visitation from 10 a.m.-12 p.m., with funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at St Katherine’s Church, 206 E 3rd St, Owen.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
