HERKIMER - Hazel Bathke, age 75, of 105 Protection Avenue, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 10, 2004 in Little Falls Hospital. She had the comfort of her daughter, son-in-law, friends, Judy Smith and Sandy by her side. She was born on August 7, 1928 in Osceola, a daughter of the late Orin and Elizabeth (Finch) Groat. She was raised and educated in Osceola. In 1948 she married Claude Bathke in Osceola. They shared a devoted union of 29 years until his passing on December 18, 1977. For over thirty years Hazel has resided in Herkimer, coming from Poland. At one time she had worked in the housekeeping department of Herkimer Hospital. She retired in 1984. She was a member of Mohawk Valley Widowed Person Service, the village of Herkimer Senior Citizens Club, and the Dominos Club of Galinsky Apartments. To all who knew her they will remember her smile. She was a friend to many and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She is surviving by her loving daughter and son-in-law Judy and Michael Foti of Herkimer, a step-grandson Kyle Foti, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her husband she was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold, Donald and Carl Groat and her sister Mary Leotsakas. The family will be present in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street, Herkimer on Tuesday from 3:00 6:00 p.m. A graveside service will take place in Poland Cemetery later this spring at a time to be announced. As an alternative to sending flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Judy and Mike would like to thank the Herkimer Fire Department emergency team especially James Woodrick, along with Crystal emergency room nurse and Lynn from the intensive care unit of Little Falls Hospital for all the help and compassion shown to Hazel and her family. Members of the village of Herkimer Senior Citizens Club are asked to meet in the funeral home at 3:30 p.m. for a prayer service.