Hazel Jean (Gore) Van Gorder Smith

Hazel Jean Van Gorder Smith was born on May 30, 1939 in Rainier, Oregon to parents, Archie and Myrtle (Giberson) Gore. She died on September 15, 2023 at her home in Boardman, Oregon at the age of 84 years. She was raised in Rainier, Oregon. Hazel was united in marriage to Charles Van Gorder Jr. on November 17, 1956 in Portland, Oregon. They lived in Seattle, Portland and Sisters before settling in Boardman, Oregon in 1981. She worked at Lamb Weston in Boardman for several years before she retired. The, Hazel and Charles drove long haul semi transport as a team for many years. Charles preceded her in death and she later married Arthur “Ted” Smith. Hazel was a longtime member of the Country Church in Hermiston, Oregon. She enjoyed crocheting, traveling, playing piano, church activities and family gatherings. Hazel cherished her family and made it a point to be at the birth of every grandchild.

She is survived by her sons: Gene Van Gorder (Kim), Irrigon, OR, Jon Van Gorder (Kelsey), Dragoon, AZ; daughters: Myrtle Conlon, Boardman, OR, Kathy Doughty (Wayne), Irrigon, OR; daughter-in-law: Mary Van Gorder, Boardman, OR; brother: Harold Gore, LaPine, OR; sister: Evelyn Sayles, Alabama; 20 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and 1 great great granddaughter.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husbands: Charles and Ted; daughter: Kayce; son: Nathan; brothers: Aaron, Gus, Archie, Vernon and Fred; sister: Julia; and grandsons: Seth, Michael and Zach.      

A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Burns Mortuary Chapel, Hermiston, Oregon. A potluck gathering will follow at the Boardman Community Church with the main coarse provided. Please bring your favorite salad and dessert to share.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at Hudson Cemetery, Rainier, Oregon

Those who wish may make contributions in Hazel’s memory to the Boardman Community Church or Vange John Memorial Hospice Education Fund.

Please share memories of Hazel with her family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Hazel Jean (Gore) Van Gorder Smith, please visit our floral store.