Hazel Louise (Harris) Smith

Hazel Louise (Harris) Smith, daughter of the late Dolphus Andrew and Ida Mae (Clark) Harris, was born January 30, 1931 in Crocker, Missouri. Hazel grew up in Pulaski County and attended school in Bellefonte and Richland. On Thanksgiving Day 1947, Hazel was united in marriage to Vern G. Smith in Richland, Missouri. They were blessed with five children: Sandra, Kathy, Randy, Donnie and Ronnie. Hazel became employed as a sales clerk with the Waynesville Dime Store. After several years at the Dime Store, she became employed at the Main Post Exchange on Fort Leonard Wood where she received many awards for outstanding service. She retired in 2001 after 21 years of service at the Exchange. After her retirement, Hazel was able to do things that she enjoyed. She loved flowers and took great pride in her flower gardens. She was a member of the Elks Lodge #2557 of Lebanon, American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #331 of St. Robert and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary #3168 of Laquey. Most importantly, she treasured those times that she was able to visit with her family and friends. Hazel passed away at 1:00 A.M. Thursday, May 7, 2009 in the St. John’s Regional Medical Center of Springfield, Missouri at the age of 78 years, 3 months and 7 days. Hazel leaves to cherish her memory four children: Sandra K. Keels and her husband George of Neosho, MO, Kathy J. Berger and her husband Arthur of Waynesville, MO, Randy J. Smith of Phoenix, AZ and Donnie D. Smith of Laquey, MO; one sister: Jewell Cornelius of Bartlesville, OK; 4 grandchildren: Shad, Michael, Melissa and Eric; 5 great grandchildren: Kyle, Sean, Haley, Phillip and Evian; as well as 1 nephew: Michael; 2 nieces: Barbara and Sharon; several other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by one son: James Ronald Smith, and one grandson: David Berger. Funeral services were held at 2:30 P.M. Saturday, May 9, 2009 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory with Rev. Danny Graves officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “The Old Rugged Cross” and the songs “Amazing Grace” and “He Knows My Name” were played. Serving as escorts were Michael Cornelius, Michael Keels, Justin Silver and David Nestler. Burial followed in the Hazelgreen Cemetery of Richland, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Hazel Smith to the Hazelgreen Cemetery Fund and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory.

Hazel Louise (Harris) Smith

January 30, 1931 - May 7, 2009