Hazel A. Gravel, age 83, of Marion passed away Tuesday, September 18, 2001 in Herrin Hospital.
She was a true daughter of the American Old West, a direct descendant Oregon Trail pioneers.
Several members of her family were prominent in the colorful history of the northwestern territories and states.
As Hazel Alice Williams, she was born in Mountain Home, Idaho, July 31, 1918, the daughter of Harvey Jackson and Mary Ellen (Edwards) Williams.
In 1936 she married Wayne E. "Jack" Robbins in Reno, Nevada, and in 1957 she was married to James A. Gravel near Great Falls, Montana. In 1981 Mr. Robbins died in Kinston, North Carolina, and in 1976 Mr. Gravel died in Dallas, Texas.
Hazel became a License Practical Nurse, and worked at many different facilities, including Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, Texas, Epp Memorial Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, Deaconess Hospital in Cincinnati, and the Lutheran Social Service Group Homes in Cincinnati. During the course of her career, she continued to attend classes to enlarge her professional skills until she finally retired at the age of 72.
She was member of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Cincinnati. After moving to Marion, Illinois, she regularly attended chapel services at the Homer Butler High Rise. In addition, she was an active participant and faithful partner to the TCT (Total Christian Television) Ministries whose corporate headquarters are located in Marion.
Even at her advanced age, she continued to study through John A Logan College Continuing Education Program, and recently received certificates in Defensive Shooting and Private Investigation. She also completed course in Computers and Financial Investments. She was also a supporter of the "Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals," "Birth Right," and she contributed regularly to "Feed the Children."
She leaves two daughters, Mary Ellen Bogard and husband Roger, of Tucson, Arizona, and Christina Coonce and husband Garth of Marion, Illinois; three granddaughters, Victoria Clark of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Vanessa Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Julie Nolan of Marion Illinois; seven great-grandchildren, Tom Nolan, Natalie Nolan, Michael Nolan, Katherine Smith, Lauren Clark, Andrew Clark, and Claire Clark. In addition, Nancy Starkweather of Herrin was a beloved daughter to Hazel in recent years.
Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, husbands and two brothers, Everett Williams, and Bucky Williams.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 21, 2001, at the Wilson-McReynolds funeral Home in Marion, with Dr. Garth Coonce and Dr. Grady Etheridge officiating. The committal services and interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion. The visitation for family and friends will be held after 6:00 p.m. Thursday, September 20 at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be in the form of contributions to TCT ( Total Christian Television ) and mailed c/o Wilson-McReynolds, P.0. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.
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