Hazel Marie Van Dalen Richardson was born on a farm in Monroe County (Albia), Iowa on March 20th, 1924. She was the youngest of five children born to Ira and Lenitta Van Dalen. She attended a one-room rural school through 8th grade and graduated from Albia High School with a normal training certificate. Since she was too young to teach, she attended one year of Albia Junior College.
Hazel began her teaching career in the one-room schools in Iowa. Since this was right in the midst of World War II, she and the school children aided in the war effort by gathering milkweed pods (kapok) to be used for life jackets.
Hazel met and married James L. Richardson while he was stationed at the Ottumwa, Iowa Naval Air Base. One-week later Jim received his discharge and they returned to his home state of Montana where she has resided since. From this union, four children were born, Lee, Mark, Connie and Judy. Hazel and Jim were divorced in 1970.
Hazel resumed her teaching career in the rural schools of Montana. She returned to college and received her degree in Elementary Education from Eastern Montana College. She continued teaching for a total of 20 years, including two years of private kindergarten. After returning from teaching, Hazel spent the next several years caring for the elderly in their homes until her own health forced her to retire.
Hazel was a 50+ year member of a homemaker club having served as county president in both Cascade and Custer County. She was voted Homemaker of the Year in 1990. She was also a member of Retired Teachers and AARP.
Hazel enjoyed playing cards (especially bridge), doing crossword puzzles, playing Scrabble, and reading. In her earlier years, Hazel was an avid bowler and also loved the hunt and fish. She was a lifetime member of the First Christian Church, now known as the United Christian Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Mark, two brothers and two sisters.
Hazel is survived by her son Lee (Amber) Richardson of Miles City, MT; daughter Connie (Dan) Best of Seaview, WA; daughter Judy (Truman) Bovee of Shepherd, MT; granddaughter LeAnn (Steve) Zumph of Miles City, MT; grandson Jeramia (Sherri) Braaton of Lindsey, MT; grandson Josh (Erin) Bovee of Lee’s Summit, MO; granddaughter Lori (Brian) Parr of Silver Spring, MD; granddaughter Alisha (Ray) Belmontez of Shepherd, MT; twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Hazel’s family also blessed her with numerous additional family members through marriages.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Memorials can be made in Hazel’s name to the Miles City Library and the United Christian Church.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Mary Ann Stockhill Liles says
Dear Lee, Amber & all of Hazel’s family, My sympathy to you all. I remember your mother and enjoyed visiting with her. She was a wonderful woman. Sending prayers and love. Mary Ann Liles
Cori Hanel Brubaker says
Judy and family,
Sorry for the loss of your mother.
Roberta Morgan Rickman says
Judy and Lee, so sorry for your loss.
Karen Roberts-Pounds says
Judy and family, I remember Hazel when I came to your house during high school. I am very sorry for your loss.
Shawna Scanlan McBride says
Hazel was a wonderful teacher and I witnessed this 1st hand as her teacher’s assistant of her kindergarten in 72-73.
The children loved her as did I.
RIP Hazel, love, light and prayers to family and loved ones.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
Dear Lee and family, She was a fun teacher at our little country school. We are thinking of you all.
Sherry Oster says
To all of Hazel’s family,
I am so sorry for your loss! Hazel was my 1-3 grade teacher and later my mentor as I student taught under her. She cared deeply about education and making sure her students were given the best opportunity to learn. I have many fond memories of her! Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal!
Sincerely, Sherry
Debi Hafla Ruppe says
To Hazel’s Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Sue Heitschmidt says
To Hazel Richardson’s family – both Rod and I were shocked to learn of Hazel’s passing but we know she is in a better place now and we are grateful for that. She “babysit” my Mother for several years when we were occasionally out-of-town. She did a wonderful job and as such we will always remember her as a kind, fun, and loving person. Love, Sue Heitschmidt
Linda Cory says
To Judy, Lee, & Connie, I will be praying for you during this sad time. I so enjoyed your Mom and appreciate her willingness to let my Mom stay with her while I went shopping etc. As I was taking care of my Mom during her last years Hazel reached out to help whenever she could. I also remember her volunteering to take Judy and I to Church Camp . May The Lord give you His peace and be ever close at this time.
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Lee so sorry to hear about your Mom. we always remember her when she taught the Trail Creek School when Trail Creek and the Riverview School had a combined Christmas Program. Rest In Peace Hazel
Jim and Annalise Willson
Janice Primozich says
Judy, Lee, and Connie and families. I’m so sorry. Many thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. When Hazel was a part of my life she was very kind and loving to me and especially with my daughter, Nicole. I wish all of you the best.
With love, Janice
Patsy Davis says
Judy, Lee, Connie and families,
Thinking of all of you during this sad time. I always enjoyed our visits next door, and she was sharp and a spitfire till the end!
RIP, Hazel!
Kolleen Forsyth. (Waldo) says
My sympathies, Richardson kids & families. So hard to lose our moms. I enjoyed knowing Hazel when we were school age. Hugs for comfort.
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
Our sympathies to Connie, Judy, and Lee and families.
Audrey Haumschild says
HAZEL I Miss you and your cute little smile . RIP
Carla Kappes says
Dear Lee and family,
I’m sorry for your loss. Your mom lived a long fruitful life. May the memories help in your sorrow. Thinking of you all.