Hazel Yazzie

Hazel Yazzie, a pillar of love, kindness, and generosity, passed away on May 19, 2025, at the age of 88, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to John Buckhorn and Annie (Dick) Buckhorn, Hazel grew up in a loving home with three brothers and one sister, where she developed the values that would shape her remarkable life.

With a career spanning several years in building maintenance, Hazel demonstrated her strong work ethic and dedication. Her life took a joyful turn when she married the love of her life, Alvin B. Yazzie on January 22, 1962, in St. Louis, Missouri. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure, raising four daughters and one son before his passing.

Hazel's passions were as diverse as they were vibrant. She delighted in caring for others, sharing what little she had, and spreading joy wherever she went. Her favorite foods included wild onions, and she took great pleasure in cooking, especially her signature fried bread and potatoes. Hazel was a sports enthusiast, cheering for OU Football, the OKC Thunder, and admiring the golfing prowess of Tiger Woods. WWE was another favorite pastime, and she was thrilled to see her favorite wrestler Randy Orton before her passing.

Her interests also included Stomp Dancing, playing bingo, quilting, shopping at garage sales, flea markets, and antique stores, reflecting her love for community and creativity. Hazel cherished her faith, attending the First Baptist Church in Ochelata, Oklahoma, and enjoyed attending Pow Wows, where she could connect with her heritage. Puzzle books, find-and-seek books, and old country music by Loretta Lynn, Eddy Arnold, Patsy Cline, Jack Greene, and George Jones filled her heart with joy.

Hazel's love for family was evident on her favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, where she would lovingly prepare meals for her loved ones. Her beloved cat brought her immense joy, and she adored spending time with her family. Movies like "The Rundown," "The Last Holiday," and "Willow" were among her favorites.

Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, Alvin B. Yazzie; one daughter, Freda Yazzie; her parents, John Buckhorn and Annie (Dick) Buckhorn; and her three brothers, Wadie Buckhorn, Jimmy Buckhorn, and DJ Smith; and one granddaughter, Amanda Darlene Medlen.

She is survived by her son, Nelvin Ron Yazzie; her daughters, Dolores Yazzie of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Loretta Yazzie Lopez of Ramona, Oklahoma, and Darlene Yazzie Banda of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; one sister, Leoma Buckhorn of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; nine grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and her beloved cat, Peanut Butter. Hazel is also survived by other relatives and friends who cherished her love and spirit.

A visitation for Hazel will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Reed-Culver Funeral Home, 117 West Delaware Street, Tahlequah, OK 74464. A graveside service will take place on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Long Springs Cemetery in Briggs, OK. Serving as pallbearers are Thomas Medlen, Rick Medlen, Kevin Chapman, Chris Hougland, Chad Hutchison, and Richard Hutchison.