Hazel E. Smith

Hazel E. Smith, 94, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday evening, October 9, 2013, at Washington Christian Village following a brief illness. Mrs. Smith was born in Mechanicsburg, Illinois, on June 3, 1919 to the late William M. and Hazel E. Leuelling. She was married to the late Arthur Smith on May 22, 1948 at West Side Christian Church by Rev. Ernest E. Laughlin. Mrs. Smith was a graduate of Ball Township High School and Brown’s Business College and was employed by Grant Middle School until her retirement in 1991. West Side Christian Church and the Beau Knots Sunday School Class remained the Smiths’ church home throughout their lives.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, as well as four brothers and three sisters-in-law: Clarence, Earl (Eleanor), William (Thelma), and Aubrey (Margaret).

She is survived by her daughter, Karen Smith-Canning of Tremont, Illinois; son, Gary Arthur Smith (W. James Murdaugh) of Houston, Texas; and grandchildren, Erik Steven Canning of Chicago and Erin Leigh Canning of New York City. She is also survived by her brother, Cyril; sister-in-law, Abigail; and several nieces and nephews: Earl Leuelling (Kathy), Mary Sneed (Bob), Laverne Leuelling (Barbara), Gail Wormer (Jack), Richard Leuelling (Marla), Mark Leuelling, Nancy Schurter (Jim), Janet Mansell (Bill), Ronnie Leuelling (Julie), and Diane Massey (Larry).

Pallbearers will be Erik Canning, James “Jimmy” Collins, Andrew “Drew” Jennings, David Joens, Laverne Leuelling, W. James Murdaugh, Bob Sneed, and Jack Wormer.

Services are under the direction of Staab Funeral Home, 1109 South 5th Street, Springfield, with visitation from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, immediately followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. officiated by Rev. Vaughn Beeman. Interment will follow at Mechanicsburg Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to West Side Christian Church, 2850 Cider Mill Lane, Springfield, IL, 62702 or the charity of your choice.