Hazel Imogene Moody

June 11, 1942 – June 8, 2026

Hazel Imogene Moody, 83, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, just three days shy of her 84th birthday, surrounded by the love of her family.

Hazel was born in Joplin, Missouri, on June 11, 1942, to Frank Lewis and Imogene Macel. As a young woman, she met the love of her life, Norman Moody. The two married when Hazel was just 15 years old and spent their lives building a family, a home, and a legacy rooted in hard work, determination, and love.

Together they welcomed three sons, Don Moody (Tonja Moody), Eric Moody (Cheri Reese), and Shawn Moody. Hazel also lovingly raised Chase Moody as her own son. Her children were her pride and joy, and her greatest accomplishment was the family she nurtured and loved so fiercely.

Hazel was a dedicated worker and entrepreneur whose determination shaped every chapter of her life. Over the years she worked at Jolly Green Giant , Tree Top, labored in the fields, became a hairdresser, owned and operated a restaurant and trailer park, managed rental properties, and helped run apple orchards and vineyards. No matter the job, she approached it with grit and perseverance, always focused on creating opportunities and providing for those she loved. Her example of resilience and hard work left a lasting impression on her family and friends.

Family was at the center of everything Hazel did. She loved cooking for those she cared about and treasured gatherings filled with laughter, good food, and shared memories. Her home was a welcoming place where loved ones could always find comfort, support, and a seat at the table. She especially cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating each new addition to the family with joy and pride. Hazel shared a unique and special relationship with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking the time to know them individually, encourage them, and create memories they would carry with them for a lifetime.

Hazel was a true firecracker, known for her fiery spirit, quick wit, stubborn streak, and unforgettable personality. She loved giving her son Don a hard time and wasn’t above chasing him around just to keep him on his toes. Tough as nails and fiercely loyal, she stood up for the people she loved without hesitation. Her grandchildren fondly remember her unique style of discipline, which often involved making them do squats, though she wasn’t afraid to grab a switch when she thought it was deserved. Feisty and outspoken when necessary, Hazel balanced her toughness with a generous heart and deep devotion to family.

Anyone who came in contact with Hazel loved her. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and cared for. Whether you knew her for a lifetime or only a short while, her warmth, humor, and genuine kindness left a lasting impression.

Hazel also enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved an ice-cold Pepsi, and even the employees at Walmart and the local convenience stores knew her by name and were happy to see her. She enjoyed gizzards, sharing stories, and spending time with family. Hazel especially loved sitting with a cup of coffee, telling stories detail by detail, often captivating everyone around her with memories, laughter, and wisdom from years gone by. She loved having her long nails done and beautifully painted, taking pride in always looking her best. She also enjoyed trips to the casino, especially her many adventures to Reno and Legends Casino, which brought her excitement, fun, and many cherished memories over the years. Hazel was proud of her Cherokee heritage and carried that pride with her throughout her life. She had a special place in her heart for animals and dearly loved her cat, Sunshine, and her dogs, who brought her companionship and joy throughout the years. Whether gathered around the dinner table, celebrating holidays, welcoming a new baby, or simply enjoying each other’s company, those were the moments she treasured most.

Hazel’s love extended far beyond her immediate family. Throughout her life, she opened her heart and home to others, helping raise not only her own children and grandchildren but many children who needed guidance, support, and love. To countless kids who grew up around her trailer park and throughout the community, she was known simply as “Aunt Hazel” or “Grandma.” She had a way of making every child feel safe, welcomed, fed, and loved. Her door was always open, her table always had room for one more, and her heart was big enough for everyone. She also deeply loved her many nieces, nephews, and cousins, cherishing the special bonds she shared with each of them throughout her life.

Hazel leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, resilience, humor, and unwavering devotion to family. Her influence can be seen in the generations she helped raise and the countless lives she touched along the way.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman Moody; her sisters, Loretta, Mary, and Jewel; her brother, Danny; and her beloved granddaughter, Cheyenne Moody.

She is survived by her brother, Vernon Lewis, and her sister, Cindy Lewis.

She is also survived by her sons, Don Moody, Eric Moody, and Shawn Moody; Chase Moody, whom she raised as her own; her grandchildren, Spencer Moody (Christina Moody), Erica Moody Wick (Shaun Wick), Jake Moody (Sheena DeMott), Michelle Moody Romero (Francisco Romero), Sabrina Moody (Zach Gelderman), Chase Moody, Haze Moody, and Ahlijah Moody, Justin Garcia and Chris Garcia.

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Katie Moody, Cody Moody, Kayden Wick, Jax Wick, Wyatt Moody, Lily Moody, Chloe Moody, Melina Romero, Milo Gelderman, and Audrey Gelderman; and her great-great-grandchildren, Amelia Moody Acevedo, Agustin Moody Acevedo, and Vada Moody Acevedo.

Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing that Hazel’s love, laughter, wisdom, and strength will live on through those who loved her. If there is one thing Hazel would want everyone to remember, it is that family was everything.

Her life was a testament to perseverance, family, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.