Hazel was born on a farm east of Thayer, MO to Martin and Lovie (Schlotterback) Hertzler on September 3, 1919 and on October 16, 2014 straightened her halo and "got the show on the road." Being from the generation that lived through the Depression, Hazel, age 13, moved into town and worked at the Phillips Hotel and for Dr. C.W. Cooper in order to graduate high school. Looking for adventure, she moved to Springfield, MO and worked at Dora Roberts Cafe and Oberman''s.

In Springfield, she met the handsome Marine, James D. Ellis, who became her husband of 64 years until his death in 2008. Also preceding her in death, son-in-law, Duane Holdorf, siblings, Julius Hertzler, Dorothy Manker, Estella Hooper, Ruth Rico, Mary Rogers and Jo Parnell.

Survivors include daughters, Carole (Rick) Atkins and Susan Ellis-Holdorf; grandchildren, Andrea (Alex) McKie, Ryan Atkins and Matthew Holdorf
(fiance, Ashley Burks); great-grandson, Owen McKie, one sister, Rosa Lee Nelson and numerous nieces and nephews. Special "Born in the year 1919" friends, Gerry Frazier and Eunice Hopkins.

Many gray hairs were put on her head by the youth at Macedonia Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member for approximately 50 years, teaching Sunday School and GA''s. Hazel influenced many by her work in PTA, MO Extension and Camp Fire Girls. Her loving nature and calm demeanor made her a mother figure to many.

Friends and family have many handmade items to remember her by and those who ate in her kitchen remember pies, fried chicken and Sunday morning biscuits and gravy. Mom, you''ve taken your final earthly curtain call. Your heavenly show Act I has started and your St. Louis Cardinals will have to wait till next year.

A visitation will be at 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2014 in the Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home, 1635 N. Benton, Springfield, MO. The funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 20, 2014 in the funeral home with Rev. Rich Jenkins officiating. Internment will follow at Mt. Comfort Cemetery.

Family requests memorial donations may be made to Mt. Comfort Cemetery
Fund, 2376 E. Farm Rd 66, Springfield, MO or Macedonia Building Fund,
3110 W. Sunshine, Springfield, MO 65807.