Hazel I. McKee

Hazel Irene McKee passed from her earthly home into her home in heaven on October 23, 2022, surrounded by her large and loving family. Hazel was born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada to Alfreda and Reginald Reynolds on July 10, 1942. In 1945, the family moved from Alberta to London, Ontario, where Hazel went to school, graduating from H.B. Beal Secondary School in 1959, at the age of 16. Hazel excelled in school and took a job as a legal secretary for Charles McKenzie in London, Ontario, where she worked from 1959 until she went to Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa in the Fall of 1963. This began the story that would be her life. At Graceland, in February 1964 Hazel met CH McKee, who became the love of her life and her husband of 58 years. In whirlwind style, CH and Hazel had their first date on February 22, 1964, got engaged on May 3, 1964, and married in London, Ontario on July 4, 1964. CH and Hazel had a lifelong love, and their marriage was an example to their children and all who knew them. After they were married, CH and Hazel moved to Rock Island, Illinois, where they lived for a few months until September 1964. In the Fall of 1964, they moved to Iowa City, Iowa where CH went to school, graduating from dental school in 1971. During those years, CH and Hazel welcomed three children, Sean, Chadd and Shannon. CH and Hazel moved to Tulsa in June 1973, and welcomed their fourth child, Carla in 1977. Hazel loved being a mother, and her children never had a doubt about her love for them - she told them constantly and showed them by the sacrifices she made for them daily. Hazel was very involved in her church, leading youth groups, attending camps, and singing in church with her friends. Music would be a lifelong love for Hazel. She played the piano, and wrote many songs expressing her absolute faith in, and love for Jesus. Hazel spent hours playing hymns on the piano. Her family was amazed that even after Alzheimer's caused significant memory issues for her, she continued to read music and also play hymns on the piano from memory. CH and Hazel moved into their family home in 1974 and never left. In this home, they raised a family, welcomed strangers and friends, and hosted many, many events, including their legendary Christmas parties. Over the years, Hazel had many projects for CH around the house, including building a pool, renovating bathrooms, and creating new rooms. The projects often lasted longer than Hazel liked and resulted in many hilarious family stories. CH and Hazel went on many mission trips, where CH served as a dentist to many people in the world who had no other access to care. On many occasions, they went to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and Honduras. Hazel had a heart to serve people who were among the poorest on earth, and she and CH developed lifelong friendships with many people whom they supported throughout their lives. Hazel was a mother to many people beyond her own children. With uncommon graciousness and love, she and CH welcomed people into their home, many of whom lived with them for days, weeks and months. If someone had a need, Hazel tried to meet it. She was always for the underdog and was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She never turned anyone away, and she loved people in a way that made a difference in their lives. For those that knew her, the characteristic most prominent in Hazel's life was her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She told everyone that would listen about Jesus, and making Him famous was her primary ambition in life. Long after her memory had faded, she was still able to recite Bible verses and sing the old church songs that she had known for a lifetime. She very well understood that she would be welcomed into heaven, not because of anything she had done, but because of what Jesus did for her. This was the story of her life. Hazel was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Shirley Stoner of Niagara Falls, Ontario. Hazel is survived by her husband of 58 years, CH McKee, and their four children: Sean McKee (Kari) of Tulsa, Chadd McKee (Staci) of Tulsa, Shannon Thrutchley (Chris) of Tulsa, and Carla Fleshman of Richmond, Virginia, 14 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her brother Reginald ("Bud") Reynolds of Burlington, Ontario. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Hazel's caregivers Remi, Neema, Armanda and Kacy for their tender care and devotion to Hazel. The family will hold visitation Friday, October 28, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Moore's Funeral Home, 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, with a memorial service at Moore's on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. All are invited to a luncheon that will follow. Donations to honor Hazel's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Hazel I. McKee

July 10, 1942 - October 23, 2022