Hazel Lee Eden

Hazel Eden was born in Jetmore, KS on June 12, 1932 to Charles Beeney and Anna Marie Grisson Beeney. She departed her time on earth at 3:45a.m. July 23, 2014 at the age of 82 in the Southeast Colorado Long Term Care Alzeimer’s Unit. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anna Marie, and her husband Bill. Hazel and Bill were very proud to celebrate 60 years of marriage before Bill’s passing. Also preceding her in death were two children: Yolanda “Katie”, and a baby, Bobby Lynn. Hazel was the last survivor of the ten children born to Charles and Anna Marie. The siblings who preceded her in passing were: Norma, Jean, Betty, Gerttie, Beulah, Frank, Junior, Jack and Billy. Surviving Hazel are her children, Sandra (Lyndell) Bryan, William (Bill) Jr. and John Mark (Cynthia). Also surviving her are 12 Grandchildren: Eden (Nick) Rothman, Davina (Tad) Willbanks, Tieg (Jessica), Christian, Brian, Amanda (Robert) Spanglehour, William Albert Eden III (Kayllie), Brittany, Joseph, Matthew and Alisse. Six Great Grandkids also survive: Makayla, Brennan, Brayce, Slayton, Jasmine and Gabe; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Hazel was always very well known by the residents of Baca County. Over the years she held various occupations, including positions at the Montgomery Wards store, the Kings Table, and Key Chevrolet, as well as serving as co-owner to the Springfield Phillips 66 with her husband, Bill. Hazel is most well remembered for her more recent occupations, however; one working for over twenty years in the Springfield School District as the bus driver of the activity bus and the Two Buttes school route, and also for her time as the Activity Director for the Southeast Colorado Long Term Care and Alzeimer’s Unit, again for over 20 years. Both of these jobs were very important to her as she was doing what she enjoyed most: helping kids and helping elders in need. In fact, after Hazel and Bill had been residents of the Long Term Care Unit, Hazel would joke with her children that “the ‘old people’ here think I still work here and ask me to get up and get them things - so I get up and go help them”. She loved to work and always took her job responsibilities very seriously. Her efforts were recognized on a State level by the Colorado Activity Professionals’ Association in 2007 when she was awarded the Colorado Activity Professional of the Year. This award came in recognition of her setting high standards in activity programming, for her positive and enthusiastic attitude, and for selflessly giving her time and talents. This was not the first time her selflessness had been recognized, as the Springfield EMS had presented Hazel with the “First Responder Award” in September of 1992. This award was given when Hazel was the first upon an accident south of Springfield and was recognized for her “quick response and disregard of personal safety”. Hazel truly enjoyed life. She loved watching all sports, but particularly enjoyed watching bull riding at the rodeo, motorcycle racing, and especially football. Her hobbies included macramé and a wide variety of arts and crafts projects, something she continued for many years - even while a resident of the Long Term Care unit. Hazel always held a deep love for her family, and the thought of her grandchildren and great grandchildren never failed to bring a smile to her face. Hazel’s faith in Jesus Christ was the most important aspect of her life, and she truly lived her life for Him. She lived her life in such a way that others could see Christ through her, and we rejoice now knowing that she is seeing Christ face-to-face. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to the SECHD Alzheimer Unit “The Cottage” in Hazel’s memory. 373 East 10th Ave. Springfield, CO 81073