Hazel Matre

Hazel B. Van Matre, age 78 of Neodesha, Kansas died Tuesday, February 4, 2003 at the Wilson County Hospital In Neodesha, Kansas. Hazel was born December 11, 1924 to Henry M. and Alta Willsey Varner at their home in rural Benedict, Kansas. Hazel grew up in Benedict, Kansas. She graduated from Benedict High School as Valedictorian. On February 2, 1946 Hazel married Lyle L. Van Matre in Alliance, Nebraska. They made their home in Hyannis, Nebraska, Neodesha, Kansas and in Benedict, Kansas. She worked as Secretary for Standard Oil until it closed in 1970. She was the Assistant City Clerk for the City of Neodesha until her retirement in january of 1990. She also worked for Western Union Winfield, AAA of Fredonia,. She was a member of the Bible Baptist Church, the VFW Ladies Auxillary, The Wilson County Auxillary Hospital, Boy Scout Den Mother and Volunteer for 4 years for the Head Start Pre School. Survivors include her son David L. Van Matre of Niceville, Florida; one sister Helen Troutman of Texas City, Texas; two brothers Charles Varner of Rural Benedict, Kansas and George Varner of Leroy, Kansas; three grandchildren and three great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2003 at the Loran Fawcett Funeral Home with the Pastor DeWayne Prosser officiating. Burial will follow in the Neodesha Cemetery under the direction of the Loran Fawcett Funeral Home. Visitation hours will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2003 at the Loran Fawcett Funeral Home with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The family has suggested memorials to the the Golden Keys Nursing Home or the Wilson County Hospital Foundation and contributions may be left at the Loran Fawcett Funeral Home.