Hazel Elizabeth Heinrichs

Hazel Elizabeth Wilson Heinrichs was born September 25, 1928 to parents, Myrtle Corrine Quinton Wilson and Walter Monroe Wilson, in Sand Springs, Oklahoma.   The family moved to a farm near Webbers Falls, Oklahoma when Hazel was four. There her parents farmed and raised livestock.

Although Hazel was an only child, she was seldom alone and never lonely. She spent her time playing with the baby animals and riding horses. She also spent a lot of time playing with the children from the surrounding farms. It was about this time she started piano lessons, developing a talent that she enjoyed throughout her life.

She attended a one room country school from first through the eighth grade. Her parents often kept the teachers as was the practice with country schools.   While Hazel was a good student, she also was a bit mischievous. One of her favorite stories to tell was one of her conspiring with friends to scare the teacher by putting a bed of baby mice in the teacher's desk drawer. Every time she told the story she would still giggle. She also hated bullies and more than once defended herself and friends with a "good sock to the nose".

After graduating from the eighth grade, Hazel attended high school in Webbers Falls. There she boarded with a widow to be able to participate in after school activities like glee club and basketball.

After high school, she continued her education at Connor’s Junior College and then Northeastern State University where she pursued a Teaching Certificate.

Although Hazel’s home was in Webber’s Falls, she would often visit family and friends in Collinsville and it was during one of those visits that she met Harold. Because of the distance, their courtship was conducted mostly via letters. Stacks of them, many of which we still have. The summer before their marriage they were able to serve together in a Christian Service project in New Jersey and it set the tone for their lifelong service in the church.

Hazel and Harold were wed on June 11, 1950 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma where Hazel attended the First Baptist Church. The service was officiated by Reverend Daniel Heinrichs and they were surrounded by family and friends.

Becoming a farm wife had its challenges for Hazel, as did marrying into a large family. But she eventually was comfortable with both.

Family was very important to both Hazel and Harold and they wanted a large one, so they started very soon. Patti, Elaine, Dan, Anita and David were born to them over the next 11 years. Though they had wanted six, they thought their family complete, then oops, 6 years later along came Dale. Now their family was complete.

Most of her life, Hazel was a homemaker. But she also supplemented their income as needed by substitute teaching and eventually taking a full-time job as a ward clerk at the Collinsville Memorial Hospital.

Hazel asked Jesus to come into her heart at a young age and that relationship remained strong throughout her life. Prayer was daily activity in our household and as often as possible there would be devotions around the table before school. We knew she prayed for all us, daily, throughout our lives.

Hazel served in multiple ways in this church that is now known as Discovery Bible Fellowship, over the 50+ years that she attended; Choir member, teacher, director of Bible Schools, Christmas programs, children’s choir and re-vamping the nursery system. Church played a large role in her life.

Hazel left her old body behind on Thursday, April 17, 2014 as she waved to those that greeted her in heaven.

She is survived by daughters: Elaine Owens and Anita Haftman, sons: Dan, David and Dale Heinrichs, son -in-law: Brett Owens, daughters-in-law: Marilyn, Debbie and Carlyn Heinrichs and grandchildren: Heather Humphrey, Eric and Brittani Heinrichs, Meghan and Mackenzie Haftman, Kaitlyn and Matthew Heinrichs, Madalyn, Seth and Mason Heinrichs.

She was preceded in death by her husband: Harold Eugene Heinrichs, daughter: Patricia Lynn Heinrichs McMurtrie, 3 infant sons, 2 son-in-laws: Paul McMurtrie and Chuck Haftman, mother and father and host of other family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Discovery Bible Fellowship with Pastor Mike Frantz officiating. Services are under the direction of Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home.