Hazel Bonner

Hazel Bonner, passed away on July 14, 2019, after a long and fulfilling life.  She was born on a farm 7 miles east of Walsh, Colorado on December 18, 1923.  She was one of eight children born to May and Henry Medley.  Hazel graduated from Walsh High School; she had the honor of representing Baca County as Broomcorn Queen.  That same year, she married Otis Bonner on December 13, 1942.  In January of 1943, Otis was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the New Guinea Campaign during WWII.  During his absence, Hazel taught school at Konantz.  Upon his discharge, he returned to Baca County and he and Hazel started a family.  In 1946 they had a daughter, Willetta.

Hazel and Otis moved to Arkansas in 1950, where they farmed and operated a general store.  In 1955 they had a son, Otis Bonner, Jr.  The family returned to Baca County in 1959.  Hazel began working at Gale Drug in Springfield, Colorado.  Subsequently, she obtained a position as a  Secretary with Plateau Natural Gas retiring after 20 years of service.

After her retirement, she remained very active in the community.  She volunteered delivering meals on wheels, driving seniors to Dr. appointments, and election polling.   Her primary recreational interest after retirement was her beloved paintings.

In 2008, at the age of 85, Hazel and her daughter, Willetta went on a 10 day Caribbean Cruise.  They enjoyed many cruise activities.  Hazel also enjoyed numerous vacations with her son, Otis and wife Shirley to New Orleans and St. Louis.   She attended a St. Louis Cardinals game and enjoyed an evening cruise down the Mississippi River.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Otis Sr; one brother Bob and five sisters Vesta May, Ruby, Bertha, Alice, and Emma Jean, great-granddaughter Breckin; and a Grandson in law Ryan Humphrey.

Hazel is survived by one Brother, Richard Medley of Walsh, Colorado; her Daughter, Willetta Moore of Lansing, Michigan; her son, Otis Bonner, Jr.,  of Springfield, Colorado; five Grandchildren; thirteen Great Grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Hazel was baptized in 1957 and always strived to live a Christian Life.  She attended Sandy Soil Church of Christ for 50 years and the Church of Christ in Springfield for the past several years.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions are suggested to go to the Southeast Colorado Hospital District Alzheimer's Unit "The Cottage", 373 E. 10th Ave, Springfield, CO 81073.