Hazel E Irving

Born August 17, 1915 in Tuscarora to Antone "Tony" and Mary (Edmonds) Reader, she married John Eugene "Gene" Irving on September 7, 1938 in Missouri. He died October 29, 1987 in Pekin. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one great-granddaughter, four brothers (Willis, Buck, Wilbur, and William Reader), and four sisters (Ruth Weiland, Helen Reader, Anna Reader, and Marie Reader).

Surviving are one daughter, Mary L. (Dean) Hohimer of Delavan; one son, Wilbur G. (Holly) Irving of Pekin; seven grandchildren, Johnette L. Collins of Delavan, John W. Collins, Jr. of South Pekin, Joe A. (Marlene) Collins of Middleburg, Florida, Joyce A. (David) Kvello of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Jean A. Collins of San Antonio, Texas, Lance E. (Tammi) Irving of Pekin, Aaron D. (Amie) Irving of Groveland; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-granddaughters; one brother, Glen (Dorothy) Reader of Bartonville; and three sisters, Wilma (Nick) Jost of Pekin, Blanche Ohrn of Virginia, Illinois, and Delores Bohm of Peoria.

Hazel worked as a fry cook at many Pekin area restaurants.

She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1869 Ladies Auxiliary in Pekin and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary in Creve Coeur and later in East Peoria.

Hazel enjoyed collecting cardinals and was an avid dancer. She also enjoyed working in her yard and tending to her flowers. She was a doer and was a very caring person.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 12, 2007at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before the funeral. The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614.