Hazel Colleen Church Leonard, age 97, of Midland, Texas passed away on Monday, September 26, 2022. Colleen was born in Colorado City, TX to Steve and Lois Church on July 16, 1925. Carl Leonard Jr., known as "Hoot" and Colleen married in an elopement ceremony during World War II in 1942. She passed away on Hoot's birthday, they were married 76 years.
She is survived by her immediate family: Jackie and Bruce Carter, Gail and Dennis Stratton, Don and Phyllis Leonard, Guy and Beverly Leonard, Elaine Leonard and Jo Ann and Randy Klinkhammer. Colleen was a loving grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Family gatherings were big and she thrived on seeing her loved ones.
Colleen was a farm wife, and had many survival skills of farm life; she was a musician and played the piano and organ, playing and teaching in her church, community, and private instruction. She was a life-long writer and poet and in her 80's published her collection of poems "The Butter Mold". She was an ordained Evangelist in the Community of Christ Church and traveled into her later years to be a part of the ministry community and to attend to her life's work of helping others.
Colleen spent her later years sustaining her relationships with family and friends by giving her time, and support to those around her.
Some could say she was a relic of her time, others would say she led the revolution by stepping up and being authentically who she was on her own cherished path. No matter what is said, she will be missed.
We want to thank so many that provided care for Colleen, Mom, in her later years. Her daughter, Elaine Leonard, was her caretaker and best friend, Dennis Stratton that helped Mom's poetry collection become a book many have cherished. The many Caregivers that came every day and stayed every night to help with her care, she appreciated the sweet faces that greeted her routinely. We treasure the experience with the services: of Home Instead and Hospice of Midland, Thank You!
A public visitation for Colleen will be held Thursday, September 29, 2022, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the new facility, Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home, 4616 N Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705. A funeral service will occur Friday, September 30, 2022, at 2:00 PM followed by a graveside service at 4616 N Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705.
The family asks that any memorial gifts or donations be directed to Hospice of Midland.
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