Hazel Stalnaker Digman

Hazel Stalnaker Digman was born to Samuel Levi Stalnaker and Minnie Hardway Stalnaker on December 3, 1917 near Elmira , Braxton County , WV. She was one of 12 children. She passed from this life on February 7, 2010 at the age of 92 years. On September 26, 1946 she and Russell K. Digman were married at the Baptist Temple in Fairmont , WV Hazel and Russ moved to New Mexico in 1948 and to Farmington in 1954 when Russ was transferred as a sales manager for Leonard Tire Co from Albuquerque. Following the end of the oil boom of the early '50's, they remained in Farmington. Hazel was the epitome of the young homemaker after World War II. She loved her flower and vegetable gardens, fishing, national and international travel, and needlework. She loved her children, their spouses, adored her grandchildren, their spouses and her great grandchildren. Hazel and Russ were far and above the very best role models for a good marriage that children could observe and learn from. She was especially honored by her family and friends for her culinary skill by creating remarkable feasts each time they had visitors and for Russ, it was every day! For Russ' success in the business world in Farmington, he always gave credit to Hazel for being a wonderful partner and he always said he would not have been able to accomplish what he did without her at his side. They had a true partnership. The real success of her time here on earth was what she imparted to her children by her actions and beliefs. Hazel, like Russ, exemplified the quiet, steady and hard-working character with which their generation built and blessed this country. She leaves her children with the satisfaction of having taught them the greatest lessons of honesty, integrity, tolerance, hard work and the simple appreciation of life's many small blessings. Her children could not have asked for a better mother or Russ a better wife. Her son-in-law and daughters-in-law will always consider her an inspiration. She is survived by her sister, Venell Vaughn of Elmira , WV ; her children, daughter Rebecca Cheryl Digman and husband Bud Poe of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM, sons Bernie K. Digman and wife MaryAnn Aelmans-Digman of Las Cruces, NM and Barry J. Digman and wife Becki Dunham of Farmington. She is also survived by her grandsons Dr. Jason Digman and wife Ann Rainhart of Plymouth, MN, Eric Digman and wife Rianne of Farmington, Christopher Digman of Providence, RI, Kevin Digman of Farmington and granddaughter Kelley Dame and husband GM 3rd Class Daniel Dame of Jacksonville, FL. Also great grandsons Evan and Kyle Digman and great granddaughter Savannah Grace Digman and Noah Dame who will arrive in late April. Caretakers, that the family considers part of our family, Sadie Bigboy, Clara Montoya and Elaine Munoz. Hazel and Russ would not have had the quality of life without these three "angels". The family is also grateful for the care from Basin Hospice, especially Suzie and LeeAnn. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 61 years, Russell K. on March 4, 2008, parents, and siblings, Kenneth, Kelly, Nann, Geraldine, Grace, Doye, Ronnie, Bernice, Paul and Forrest. Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice. Pallbearers are Bernie Digman, Barry Digman, Jason Digman, Eric Digman, Kevin Digman and Bud Poe. Honorary pallbearers are Marycarole Cunningham, Del Washburn, Bert Chilton, Jack and Audra Harris, Eddie and Judy Winters and Earl and Opal Hickam. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home 103 E. Ute Street Farmington (505) 325-8688