MIDLAND - Hazel Colleen Church Leonard, 97 of Midland, died Sept. 26, 2022. She was born in Colorado City, to Steve and Lois Church on July 16, 1925.
Carl Leonard Jr., known as “Hoot” and Colleen married in an elopement ceremony during World War II in 1942. She passed away on Hoot’s birthday, they were married 76 years.
She is survived by her immediate family: Jackie and Bruce Carter, Gail and Dennis Stratton, Don and Phyllis Leonard, gatherings were big and she thrived on seeing her loved ones. She was a farm wife, and had many survival skills of farm life; she was a musician and played the piano and organ, playing and teaching in her church, community, and private instruction. She was a life-long writer and poet and in her 80’s published her collection of poems “The Butter Mold”. She was an ordained Evangelist in the Community of Christ Church and traveled into her later years to be a part of the ministry community and to attend to her life’s work of helping others.
She spent her later years sustaining her relationships with family and friends by giving her time, and support to those around her. Some could say she was a relic of her time, others would say she led the revolution by stepping up and being authentically who she was on her own cherished path.
No matter what is said, she will be missed. A public visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 pm to 7pm at the new facility, Ellis Resthaven Funeral Home, 4616 N Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705. A funeral service will occur Sept. 30, at 2pm followed by a graveside service at 4616 N Big Spring Street, Midland, Texas 79705.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellisfunerals.com. The family asks that any memorial gifts or donations be directed to Hospice of Midland.