Elizabeth "Beth" Hazen
Oct 27, 1947 -
Sep 1, 2026
Elizabeth "Beth" Edmiston Hazen, 78, passed away peacefully on Sept. 1, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. She spent her final days surrounded by her family, recounting the many adventures, stories and memories they had shared over a lifetime.
Beth was born in Boise, Idaho, on Oct. 27, 1947, to Richard and Alice Edmiston. She grew up in Nampa, Idaho, where she met her future husband and love of her life, Richard "Dick" Hazen. Beth attended Nampa High School and graduated in 1966. After graduation, she attended the College of Idaho alongside Richard, and the two were married in December 1966.
Beth and Richard shared more than 50 years of marriage and a lifetime of adventures. Together they built a life that took them from Idaho to Nevada, across the world to Australia, north to Alaska, and on countless trips in between. In later years, they split their time between Anchorage, Alaska, and Tucson, Ariz., enjoying friendships and communities in both places. Some of Beth's happiest times were spent surrounded by her children and grandchildren, including weekends together at the family's lakeside cabin.
Perhaps what those who knew Beth will remember most, however, is what a caring and devoted friend she was. She had a wide circle of friends gathered throughout a lifetime of adventures, travels, work, family and community. Her Beta Sigma Phi sisters held a particularly special place in her life and were an incredible source of friendship and support throughout the years.
Cancer was a part of Beth's story for many years, but it never defined her life. Her life was defined instead by the family she loved, the friendships she nurtured, the adventures she embraced and the many memories she created along the way.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Alice Edmiston; brother, Donald Murphy; sister, Rosilyn Borcher; and beloved husband, Richard "Dick" Hazen.
She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Denning; three children, Elena Hazen Reierson and husband Dale Reierson, Quinten Hazen, and Kenneth "Gregg" Hazen and wife Laura Warnock Hazen; and grandchildren, Tyler Reierson and wife Piper Reierson, Richard M. Hazen, Elyssa Reierson, Kenneth "Rowan" Hazen and Reese E. Hazen. She also leaves behind many beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and a wonderful circle of friends gathered over a lifetime.
A Memorial Service will be held at Legacy Heritage Chapel, 440 E. Klatt Road in Anchorage, on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, at 11 a.m., immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Blood Bank of Alaska in Beth's memory.
