Hazel Adele Reichle

Hazel Adele Reichle passed away early Sunday morning, December 19, 2021. She was born on October 3, 1924 to Theodore Joseph and Mary Leona (Mae) Portele in Marlin, Texas. Hazel‘s family moved to Houston when she was a child. Growing up in Houston, she attended St. Joseph elementary school and Incarnate Word Academy. After graduation from Incarnate Word she attended Business School and went to work for the Texas Company for several years.

She met Vernon Reichle at a Catholic Youth Organization dance. After Vernon returned from his enlistment in the Navy during World War II he and Hazel were married on January 25, 1947 and started a growing family. They were blessed with six children, Michael, Patricia, Greg, Karen, Kevin and Scott. They were married 44 wonderful years, until Vernon‘s death in 1991. She would always greet anyone entering her home with a “Yoohoo” and made everyone feel welcome and well fed. She became a second mom to all of her children’s friends.

The family moved to Midland in 1959 when Vernon was transferred with Humble Oil and Refining Company. Upon arrival in Midland the family joined St. Ann's Catholic Church and have been members ever since. She and Vernon were very active in parish life and found a home at St. Ann's. She was a member of the Altar Society serving in many capacities including President. She enjoyed playing bridge in three different groups, was a part of the Martha committee providing refreshments for funeral receptions and was involved in creating several of the booths for the Family Fair eventually serving as chairman.

After raising her children, she returned to the workforce and had an 18 year career with Union Texas Petroleum in their production and land department retiring in 1986.

She was preceded in death by her husband Vernon, two sons Michael and Kevin and her daughter-in-law Brenda Pearson Reichle. Hazel is survived by four of her children: Patricia Reichle Epley, Greg, Karen and husband Monty McLane, daughter-in-law Belle Reichle, Scott and 10 grandchildren: Ryan, Erin and Megan Epley, Reagan Reichle Payson, Travis (Emily) Mclane, Katie (Hector) Ornelas, Allison (Tim) Trevino, Logan (Carly) Reichle, Landon Reichle, Olivia Hampton and 11 great grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their deep love and appreciation for Hazel‘s long-term caregiver and companion Elva Gomer. We also thank Home Hospice for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Ellis funeral home with a Rosary following at 7pm.

Funeral mass will be Thursday 1:00pm at St. Anne’s Catholic Church with Monsignor Larry Droll officiating: burial following at Resthaven Cemetery. The family suggests donations go to Helping Hands of Midland.