Hazel Ellen Sears (Adams)

Hazel Ellen Sears, 101 years old, passed away on September 9, 2023 in Montrose Colorado at her daughter Beverly and son-in-law Orland’s home. She was born in Macon Georgia on April 30, 1922 to her parents James and Mattie Adams. As a baby, they moved back to Texas where she was raised. She was second to the youngest of 5 children. She married her first husband Paul Dittman of Baytown Texas where they raised their 6 children. They were married 28 years with travels taking them to Africa, Aruba and Puerto Rico.
She continued her life in Annapolis Maryland for about 42 years. She met her husband Russell Sears a native of Annapolis. They were married 18 years and traveled their lives together to all 50 states and some many times. After the passing of her husband in February 2010 she traveled in their motorhome visiting family in Waco, Texas and Denham Springs, Louisiana, for 3.5 years. Then in 2014 she moved in with her Daughter to Bailey Colorado and then on to Montrose Colorado in July of 2018 where she resided with her daughter until her passing.
She was a volunteer with West Annapolis Volunteer Fire Dept. for 39 years and was President of the Ladies Auxiliary for a few years; she also was a volunteer with the Maryland State Police with her husband a number of years and a member of the Elks Lodge #622 in Annapolis, Maryland.
Hazel lived a full and happy life. She was a very special, kind and sweet lady and loved very much by all who knew her. She had many jobs throughout her life, but she said the happiest times of her life were raising her 6 children.
She was preceded in death by her parents; James William Adams & Mattie Lena Adcock Adams, 1 sister, Altus L. Kight, 3 brothers; Steven R. Adams, James C. Adams, and Harold W. Adams, 3 children; Garry Lee Dittman, Pauletta L. Dittman Mamo and Rosalie Ellen Dittman Sewall Maine, and her husbands Paul Dittman & Russell Sears.
She is survived by her 3 children; Beverly D. Frey and husband Orland of Montrose, Colorado, Mattie Shilling of Liberty, Mississippi, Larry P. Dittman of St. Augustine, Florida, 2 step-children; Alice A. Myers and husband Bob of Arnold, Maryland, Russell O. Sears and wife Louise of Riva, Maryland. Also surviving numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Hazel will be laid to rest next to her husband Russell Sears at a later date in Annapolis Maryland. Crippin Funeral Home in Montrose is assisting the family. (970) 249-2121