Born in Macomb, Mo. Hazel Marie Stephens, daughter of Pleasant and Willa McAllister Doyel, was born May 7, 1912 in Macomb, Mo. She departed this life Friday, June 16, 2006, at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, at the age of 94.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Orvil Stephens; and one sister, Ruby Keverline.
Hazel is survived by one son, Jerald Stephens of Wichita, Kan.; four daughters, Catherine Mallernee of Kimberling City, Maxine Cline and her husband James, of Springfield, Naomi Gray and her husband, Bill, of Macomb, and Norma Reich of Portland, Ore. She is also survived by one sister, Jewel Cottengim, of Fresno, Calif.; one sister-in-law, Ellen Eyman, of Springfield; 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Hazel was born in Macomb and attended school in Norwood, where she graduated in the class of 1932. On March 8, 1935, Hazel married Orvil Stephens and they then made their home in the Douglas County area until 1960, when they moved to Mansfield and lovingly raised their family.
Hazel taught elementary school at Huffman, Peavine, and St. James country schools. She was a devoted homemaker, and was also a member of Friendship Freewill Baptist Church, where she enjoyed her worship and fellowship with the church family. In her spare time, Hazel enjoyed crocheting and reading.
Hazel was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, and was also a caring neighbor and friend.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 18, at Holman-Howe Chapel, Mansfield, with the Revs. Mark Terrill and Jewell Craig officiating. Burial was in Prairie Hollow Cemetery.
