Hazel Marie Conrad, 99, of Otterville, passed away Monday, June 1, 2015, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.
She was born January 9, 1916, in Otterville, the daughter of Fred Perry and Dorothy Elizabeth Schuster Speaker.
On February 8, 1941, in Sedalia, she was married to Melvin Jess Conrad, who preceded her in death on August 28, 1991.
Hazel was a 1934 graduate of Otterville High School, where she played basketball. In her early married years, she and Melvin lived in the State of Washington with Earl and Ardell Conrad, where Melvin worked in the ship yards. Upon moving back to Otterville, she worked as a cook for Otterville School, but spent most of her life lovingly caring for numerous children in her home. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Otterville, where she worked in the nursery, took care of the flowers, and worked in the kitchen and VBS.
She enjoyed birds and flowers, and shared her talent of cross stitch with many people.
Hazel loved her family and especially enjoyed her great-grandchildren. Sunday dinner was always served, with plenty for all. She enjoyed family vacations, including going to Disney World at age 84.
She is survived by one daughter, Linda Jeffress, and her husband, Bob, of Otterville; two granddaughters, Jessica Helmig (Matt), of Otterville, and Jennifer Talamantes (Mike), of Kansas City; and three great-grandchildren, Carlie, Nathan and Mia.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Freddie Melvin Conrad.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 4, at First Baptist Church of Otterville, with the Rev. Russ Slocum, the Rev. Perry Wolfe and the Rev. Dr. Dennis Crowder officiating.
Casket bearers will be Gary Goforth, Matt Goforth, Philip Goforth, Ryan Benny, Greg Barbour and Michael Barbour. Honorary bearers will be Jeffrey Page, Jerry Page, Jim Zumsteg, Don Hutcheson and Nathaniel Hutcheson.
Burial will be in I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Otterville.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at First Baptist Church of Otterville.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Heckart Funeral Home.