On September 11 in Stillwater Oklahoma, Hazel Eizabeth Colbert joined a choir of angels holding her daughter Tamara's hand with her son in law Steve. Tamara and Steve were privileged to have cared for her at their home in Santa Fe New Mexico where Hazel enjoyed seeing the mountains and being visited by the local wildlife such as a bobcat and her kittens under her window. Hazel always enjoyed returning to her beloved home in Stillwater where she had a beautiful pond filled with her pet Koi fish that she had named.
Hazel was born in Sims, Arkansas, one of eight children. Her childhood was spent at her family's farms in Pleasant Hill Arkansas also known as Scrouge Out. Her family believed in God and hard work, always taking care of family and those less fortunate.
Hazel fell in love with her husband Oscar through letters during WWII while Oscar was in service. They were married on April 29, 1947. They moved to Stillwater Oklahoma. Hazel's sister, Hattie Fischer also moved to Stillwater and the sisters were the best of friends until Hazel's passing. Oscar was a dairyman working at various dairies until he became Asst Superintendent at Oklahoma State University until he retired. Hazel and Oscar started a family, Lanny, Lynn and Tamara (Tammy). Cousin Larry was considered another kid in the family, Lanny, Lynn and Tammy thought of him as a brother. Hazel and Oscar doted on their family and made many sacrifices for their children and created a loving home filled with love, laughter and music.
Hazel first worked in downtown Stillwater where she and Oscar lived until they purchased the family home that would remain in the family for 70 years.
Hazel had many talents and interests. She worked as a nurse at the old Stillwater Hospital on the heart floor and as a charge nurse. She took care of the real Pistol Pete Frank Eaton in his final illness. She said he called her sister and kept his gun under his pillow.
Hazel then opened a daycare and enjoyed many years caring for Stillwater children.
Hazel was a gifted artist, she loved painting landscapes and working in oils. She gave away many of her paintings to family and friends. Recently, we were blessed to have spent precious hours with Hazel and Lynn opening up her stored paintings and admiring each one.
Hazel loved her music, it was a big part of her life. She enjoyed writing songs and playing her sunburst guitar. We would hear her singing throughout the day and evening. She enjoyed jam sessions with her talented husband Oscar with Roy and Velma Jean Herndon, her friend Harold and in later years, she sang weekly at the Stillwater Senior Citizen Center sharing a table with her friends, Lela Holzer, Diane and JW Lafollette, Vera Long and many others. She knew hundreds of songs by heart, her family loved singing with her at holidays and family gatherings.
Hazel loved her online life, she would spend hours on her computer catching up with family and friends on Facebook. She was amazingly quick playing her computer games, always winning every game. Her favorite television channel was the Game Show Network, she was known to shout out the answers before the contestants ever did.
Hazel was a natural Southern Cook, and her family and friends were blessed by her wonderful home cooked meals, it was her great joy to feed anyone that came to her house.
Hazel took great pride in her appearance and was known for her hair and makeup. She was called the "Queen" for her coordinated outfits and matching jewelry. She often said she wasn't really dressed until she had her "Bling" on.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband Oscar whom she cared for in his battle with Alzheimer's in 1984, then losing her son Lanny a few months later. She lost her stepson Oscar James in 1978. Hazel lost her beloved son Lynn September 2023 shortly before her death.
Hazel is survived by her daughter Tamara and her son in law Steve Maschino of Santa Fe, New Mexico, her sister Hattie Fischer of Perry, Oklahoma, her nephew Larry Raper (Judith) of Georgetown, Texas, daughter in law Niki Colbert of Katy Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Visitation will be at Strode Funeral Home for both Hazel and her son Lynn Tuesday, September 19th and Wednesday, September 20th 9 am to 6pm.
Graveside Services will be held for both Hazel and her son Lynn, Thursday September 21st at 2pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The public, family and friends are welcome. A Celebration of Life for Hazel and son Lynn is planned for a later date.
In honor of Hazel, we request you wear your shiny bling and jewelry and outfits.