Hazel Marguerite Hill

Hazel Marguerite Hill, 93, of Fort Scott, died Thursday night, June 28, 2012. She was born Sept. 19, 1918, in Blue Mound, Kan., the daughter of Charles and Grace E. (Ross) Bray. She married Lawrence E. Hill June 11, 1938, in Fort Scott, Kan., and he preceded her in death April 13, 1988.

Hazel was raised on the family farm five miles south of Blue Mound, Kan., and moved to Fort Scott to attend junior college. After marrying Lawrence, she settled in there for life. She was a graduate of Blue Mound High School, and attended FSCC.

A Catholic convert, Hazel belonged to Mary Queen of Angels Parish and St. Anne's Altar Society for more than 73 years. Hazel was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and a dear friend. She was a humble servant of God who always put Him and others before herself. She extended charity to all she met and in doing so, was a beautiful witness for Christ. His love and divine mercy flowed through Hazel to all.

Hazel is survived by her children, Terrence E. Hill and Jan of Little Rock, Ark., Gerald L. Hill and Madrene of Wichita, Kan., Mary Ann Benage of Fort Scott, Kan., Thomas R. Hill and Marilyn also of Fort Scott, Kan., Martin T. Hill and Jenet of Nevada, Mo., Joseph M. Hill and Myrna of Laredo, Texas, Theresa L. Buntain and Gary of Fort Scott, Kan., and Steven P. Hill and Brenda, also of Fort Scott, Kan.; 25 grandchildren, Arjay Hill, Nancy Finkbeiner, Jim Hill, John Hill, Matthew Hill, Marla Hall, Mariette Benage, Ann Soave, Andrew Benage, Jamie Pollmeier, Jeremiah Hill, David Hill, Theresa Lewark, Kristen Hill, John Hill, Kenny Hill, Giovanni Garofalo, Luciano Garofalo, Janet Buntain, Stephen Buntain, Michelle Buntain, Chad Hill, Chase Hill, Grant Hill, and Emily Hill; six stepgrandchildren, John Benage Jr., Pat Benage, Brigitte Bludworth, Bill Benage, Heather Brown, and Chad Brown; and 32 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband Lawrence, Hazel was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Christine L. Garofalo; a brother, Charles Bray; and a son-in-law, Dr. John F. Benage.

The Rev. Robert Wachter will celebrate the funeral Mass 10 a.m., Tuesday, July 3, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church with burial following at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott, Kan. The Rosary will be prayed at 9:30 a.m., prior to the funeral at the Church. The family will receive friends Monday, July 2, from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary's Catholic School and left in the care of the Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home, 15 W. Wall Street, PO Box 309, Fort Scott, KS, 66701. Condolences may be e-mailed to expressions@konantz-cheney.com.