Hazel Lucile Simkins passed away in the Halstaed hospital Friday night. Funeral services were held for her at the Temple Baptist Church in Hutchinson on Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. R. E. Schwart officiated, assisted by Rev. E. J. Vaughan, pastor of the Protection Methodist Church.Interment was in the Wildmead cemetery at Nickerson, Kansas.
A tribute by Mrs. Dwight McGee, and her obituary are reproduced below.
Obituary In words of respect we dedicate this brief story to one who has gone out from this life to meet her God whom she loved and served. Hazel Lucile Simkins lived all but two of her 46 years in Protection community. On Sunday morning and Sunday evening and on prayer meeting nights she found her way to the house of God as long as health permitted. "Ask Hazel" was the common conclusion when a Bible question arose, for Hazel knew her Bible as well as she knew her Lord. She was a member of the Ladies' class. Prayers have been offered for her but the toils of surgery proved to be too much for her so soon after a former operation in Kansas City a few weeks ago. She died in Halstead Hospital Friday night. After a few days in which she knew few of those who called, she fell asleep in Jesus to be with Him forever.
Born to Claude and Laura Simkins on October 8, 1906 near Arlington, Kansas, Hazel was only two years of age when the Simkins family moved to Protection to take up residence on the farm where they now live. Honors as Valedictorian of her High School class of 1926 climaxed her work after twelve years in the Protection Schools. Rev. Ragsdale received Hazel into the Methodist Church in 1919. She became very much interested in the BIble in the time of Rev. H. G. Grosdidier, who found her to be a very good Bible student. Hazel knew the life of the Methodist Church here from the days when the old church stood on the site where the present building now stands. Her father had to bring her to church even on Sundays when they knew storms would keep every one away. Hazel had to be sure that there would be no service before she gave up and went back home.
Her recent joys have been the radio preaching and Bible Study over the radio. She especially liked the Fuller Revival Hour. Hazel enjoyed all of it. Hers was a radiant personally which won her many friends. Her cross was her physical disability but she made her spiritual life to compensate for it. She bore her cross bravely until she was called home. Her many friends bow in reverence at her passing wondering if they shall have a reward as big as hers in Heaven.
Claude Simkins, father of Hazel Simkins.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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