Hazel Bell Mathenia

Hazel Bell Mathenia of Portageville passed away Sunday, August 24, 2014 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, MO. She was 87 years old.

Hazel was born January 26, 1927 in Sharon, TN to Vada Doster Brooks and Curt Higgs. She was united in marriage October 18, 1941 to James Manuel Mathenia who preceded her in death in June 1989.

Also preceding Hazel in death were her parents, Vada and Curt; four brothers, Thomas Higgs, Hershall Higgs, Leon Doster and Kenny Doster; her infant sister, Verndale Higgs; and two grandchildren, Jonathan Bradley Ledbetter and Lauren Smith.

She enjoyed her flowers, working crossword puzzles and caring for many children in her lifetime.

Those who survive Hazel include six sons, John Wayne Mathenia of Kirbyville, MO, James Harold Mathenia of Stafford, VA, Benny Franklin Mathenia of Mesa, AZ, Larry Gale Mathenia of Cabool, MO, Dennis Edward Mathenia of Benton, AR, and Rondal Keith Mathenia of Talleta, IL; six daughters, Betty Lavern Flowers of Nixa, MO, Mary "Margaret" Clayton of Wardell, MO, Nancy Carol Reed Smith of Troy, MO, Shelia Joyce Wagster, Gwendolyn Faye Hill, and Sandra Lynn Sweatt, all 3 of Portageville; one brother, Wayne Doster of Bloomfield, MO; one sister, Peggy Suehs of Hillsboro, MO; 26 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild on the way.

Visitation for Hazel Mathenia was held Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at DeLisle Funeral Home. The funeral service took place Wednesday, August 27 at First United Methodist Church in Portageville with interment following at Pemiscot Memorial Gardens in Braggadocio, MO.

Pallbearers were Hazel's grandsons.

Please send condolences to the family online at www.delislefuneralhome.net