Obituary of Hazel A. Howes

Former long time resident of Mt. Morris, died at age 91, on Friday, July 25, 2014, at the Kahl Home in Davenport, Iowa. The funeral service will take place 1:00 pm, Friday, August 1, 2014, at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris. Hazel’s family will be present at the funeral home on Friday to receive friends from 12:00 pm until the start of the service at 1:00 pm. Those desiring may consider memorial contributions to the Mt. Morris Free Methodist Church. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Hazel was born January 16, 1923, in Stella, Missouri, to Henry and Ida (Rosenbalm) Long. She grew up on a farm in southwest Missouri during the Depression of the 1930s. Her lifelong strength of will and determination was revealed early on when she became the first member of her family to complete high school. Hazel married Arthur LeRoy Howes on October 6, 1941, in Neosho, Missouri. Soon afterward Arthur LeRoy joined the Marines. The young couple was separated for over two years while Arthur served in the Pacific theater during World War II. On Arthur LeRoy’s return from the service Hazel and he lived briefly in California before moving to Michigan and settling in Mt. Morris where Hazel resided for the next 60 years. A woman of strong, quiet faith, Hazel devoted her life in Mt. Morris to making a loving and comfortable home for her husband and three children, being a steadfast friend to others, maintaining a close relationship with her far away sisters through weekly correspondence, and serving her church. She was a loyal member of the Mt. Morris Free Methodist Church which she served as a volunteer church secretary for many years. In 2007, Hazel moved to Iowa to be near her son and daughter-in-law who lovingly cared for her in her final years. Hazel enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, listening to gospel music, quilting and crocheting, and weekends in Gladwin at the family’s cabin. She was preceded in death by Arthur LeRoy who died September 15, 1997. In addition to her husband Hazel was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Margaret Marion and Rachel Babb; and brothers, Ocie, Roy, Bob, and Cleo Long. Left to cherish her memory are her children; Mary (Mike) Yager, Beverly (William) Peake and Harold Leon (Paulla) Howes; sister Rhoda Chapman; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.