Hazel Blair Wooddell

Hazel Blair Wooddell, 96, of West Jefferson, Ohio, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 11, 2026. 

Blair was born on January 5, 1930, in Sutton, West Virginia, to Ralph Truxel Armstrong and Ida Elizabeth (Cool) Armstrong. She was the youngest of five daughters, joining her beloved sisters, Lucille Carroll, Louise Riddle, Harriett Hardman, and Jessie Marple. She graduated from Sutton High School in 1948, carrying with her the values of hard work, kindness, and unwavering faith that would define the rest of her life.

On February 12, 1949, Blair married the love of her life, Ruhl Leroy “Buck” Wooddell. Together they built a home centered on Christ, love, and family, while raising their four daughters: Rebecca Blake, Sandra (Keith) Brown, Patricia (Larry) Blake, and Sally Jo Wooddell.

Blair devoted her life to her family as a stay-at-home mother, creating a home filled with love, faith, and unwavering care. She believed there was no greater calling than serving her family and those God placed in her path. Whether she was preparing meals, opening her home for countless West Jefferson Homemaker gatherings, faithfully preparing communion for Sunday services at West Jefferson Bible Church, offering words of encouragement, praying faithfully for those she loved, or beginning each day with her Bible open, Blair quietly demonstrated Christ’s love through a life of humble service.

Her home was a place of warmth, hospitality, and grace where everyone felt like family. During the holidays, she joyfully welcomed members of The Ohio State University Women’s Volleyball Team into her home, especially those who were unable to travel home and be with their own families. Around Blair’s table, no one was ever a stranger, and everyone was welcomed.

In 1967, Blair worked as an operator for the Ohio Bell Telephone Company. She remained a faithful member of West Jefferson Bible Church, where her servant’s heart was evident in the quiet ways she loved others. She faithfully prepared communion for worship services, encouraged those around her, and lived out her faith not only on Sundays but every day through her kindness, generosity, and steadfast love for the Lord.

Perhaps no calling defined Blair’s life more than being a caregiver. For 66 years, she lovingly cared for her daughter, Sally, with extraordinary patience, sacrifice, and unconditional love. She became a passionate advocate for individuals with special needs, serving on the MATCO Board beginning in 1984. In 2017, she was honored with MATCO’s Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her decades of compassionate advocacy and dedicated service. Her life reminds us that true greatness is found not in recognition but in faithfully caring for others each and every day.

Blair found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved traveling to create memories with her family, watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren laugh and play around the backyard pool, and making her famous white chocolate Ritz peanut butter cookies, which became a treasured Christmas tradition through the West Jefferson Homemakers from 2006 to 2016. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ruhl Leroy “Buck” Wooddell; her parents, Ralph and Ida Armstrong; her sisters, Lucille Carroll, Louise Riddle, Harriett Hardman, and Jessie Marple; her cherished grandson, Kyle Matthew Brown; and her son-in-law, Charles Louis Blake. 

Blair leaves behind her loving daughters, Rebecca Blake, Sandra (Keith) Brown, Patricia (Larry) Blake, and Sally Jo Wooddell.

She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Marcy (Andy) Ey, Mindy (John) Crabtree, Megan Brown, the loving wife of her late grandson, Kyle M. Brown, Dustin (Lauren) Blake, Megan (Tyler) Anderson, and Drew (Michele) Brown.

Her legacy continues through her treasured great-grandchildren: Caroline Ey (fiancé Curtis Kimmerly), Chloe Ey, Owen Crabtree, Olivia Crabtree, Makayla Brown, Carson Brown, Camden Brown, Madyn Brown, Noelle Brown, Alethia Brown, Asher Brown, Isaiah Brown, Olivia Leggins, Remmington Blake, Campbell Blake, Harrison Blake, Brielle Anderson, and Reese Anderson, along with several beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her lifelong neighbors and cherished friends, Louie and Bev Miller and Rick and Kara Baker, for their friendship, kindness, and faithful support throughout the years.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Blair’s remarkable life on Thursday, July 16, at Rader-McDonald-Tidd Funeral Home, 1355 W. Main Street, West Jefferson, Ohio. Public visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Her grandson, Pastor Drew Brown, will officiate the service. Burial will immediately follow at Alton Cemetery, where Blair will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Buck.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

The Epilepsy Foundation 

https://www.epilepsy.com/give

Kyle M. Brown Foundation 

https://www.onepitchatatime.org/donate

World Venture in support of Drew and Michele Brown’s missionary work in Costa Rica

https://tinyurl.com/drewmichelebrown

The Cure GRIN Foundation in honor of her great-granddaughter, Brielle Anderson.

https://curegrin.org/donations/