January 20, 2025

Dennis “Skeeter” Earl Bladen, 78, of Newark, died Friday, Jan. 17, at his residence. He was the husband of Joyce Brison Bladen, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage.

Born in West Chester, he was the son of the late Joseph Bladen and the late Pearl Froman Bladen.

He was a graduate of Avon Grove High School and Goldey Beacom College.

He served his country for three years in the U.S. Army.

Skeeter worked at General Motors for 30 years before retiring, he then worked for 12 years at the Speakman Plumbing Company.

He enjoyed all sports, traveling, and his many trips to St. Lucia with his wife.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Dennis Henry, grandchildren, Roderick and Necole, and many nieces and nephews.

You are invited to visit with his family and friends from 11 a.m. to noon on Friday, Jan. 24, at the Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA. His Funeral service will follow at noon. Burial will be private and will be at a later date at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

To view his online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com

Hazel V. Owens, born on April 28, 1943, in Damascus, Va., died peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 15, in West Grove. She was the beloved daughter of the late Mary E. Roark and John W. Owens.

Hazel was the devoted mother of Donna Hampton (Joyce) of York, and Lenna Pierson (Mark) of Landenberg, as well as mother-in-law to Sandi Hampton of West Grove. She was a proud grandmother to Jeremy Hampton (James), Andrea Hess (Joel), Amanda Mills (Greg), Heather Murphy (Sean), Samantha Barnes (Steph), David Pierson (Monica), Joshua Hampton, and Michael Latham. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Adalynn, Cameron, Malcolm, Sawyer, Haydn, Dylan, Easton, Hope, Marcus, and another on the way. She is also survived by sisters Peggy Parsons of Stevens, Pa. and Jeannie Nantais of Newark, Del., as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Hazel was predeceased by her parents; her son, Randy Hampton; her granddaughter, Rachel Hampton; her siblings John Owens and Kathryn Bolden, plus her former spouse and father of her children, James W. Hampton.

Hazel’s creativity and passion for life shone brightly through her many talents. She wrote and produced numerous church plays, often enlisting family members to participate and crafting costumes that are still in use today. Throughout her life, Hazel held various roles including dietician, nanny, cook, women’s shelter manager, home health aide, Sunday School teacher, and seamstress. However, her most treasured role was being “MomMom Hazel (Pazel)” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Twin Pines Nursing Home and Willow Tree Hospice for their compassionate care during Hazel’s final years. She formed lasting friendships with both residents and staff.

A service to honor Hazel’s life will be held on Thursday, Jan. 23 at Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 W. State St., Kennett Square. Visitation begins at 11 a.m., followed by a service at noon, with Pastor Robert L. Vannoy. Interment will take place at Union Hill Cemetery in Kennett Square. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Manna Ministries at New London Baptist Church, 226 Pennock Bridge Road, West Grove, PA 19390, where Hazel volunteered until her health declined.

Hazel’s memory will forever bring joy and comfort to those who knew and loved her.

To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com