Hazel Muriel (Rice) Bullard passed away on March 19, 2026, in Portage, Michigan. She was born on September 20, 1927, in Lake County, Michigan, the daughter of J.C. and Kitty (Howe) Rice.

She graduated from Baldwin High School as valedictorian in 1945 and attended Western Michigan University. She married Duane Bullard on February 4, 1947, and he preceded her in death on May 9, 1977. Hazel retired from AMS Plumbing & Heating in 1992 and enjoyed spending time with her family, working outdoors and playing cards and bingo.

In addition to her husband, parents and eight siblings, she was preceded in death by her two daughters, Dr. Susan K. Bullard and Linda Zuidema, and son-in-law Bill Zuidema.

Surviving are her two daughters Diana (Gary), Sherburn of Schoolcraft, and Nancy (Tom) Breed of Pinehurst, NC; 5 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

As Hazel wished, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or memorial service. Hazel requested that memorial contributions be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the Dr. Susan K. Bullard Endowed Scholarship through Western Michigan University or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank the staff at Brookdale Senior Living Center and Optimal Care Hospice for the loving care they provided to Hazel during her stay.

While visiting Hazel’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family.

The family is being assisted by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 S. Grand St. Schoolcraft, MI 49087, (269 679-5622).