STROUD, Hazel

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona - 01/30/2004 Hazel Simpson Stroud, 77, Eagar, died Jan. 23, 2004 at the Friendship House in Eagar where she had resided for the past four years. She was born April 4, 1926 in Socorro, New Mexico. She was one of 11 children born to Clarence and Bessie Simpson. She married Bill Stroud in 1941. Hazel and her husband, Bill, worked ranches, restaurants and a myriad of other employments during the course of their lives together. She owned and operated cafés at Datil, New Mexico, Paonia, Colorado and in Alpine. She became known for her delicious pies and wonderful green chili. They lived in all three states off and on, but for the most part called Alpine and Luna their home. And that was where they decided to spend their retirement years. Hazel loved to fish and looked forward to good weather every year so she could break out her rod and reel and visit the local lakes. Not surprising she was dubbed "Chieftess Hook 'N Water" and wore a cap commemorating the name. Hazel's survivors include: husband, Bill Stroud, Luna, New Mexico; sons, Clinton (Patricia) Stroud, Delta, Colorado, Kenny (Janet) Stroud, Paonia, Colorado; daughters, Mary Ann (Thomas) Watkins and Jody (Jerry) Montierth, Paradise, ; brothers, Deral "Bud" (Phyllis) Childress, St. Johns, ; sisters, Wanda (PeeWee) Stokes, Causey, New Mexico, and Cleo Tissau, Cornville, as well as 10 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral Services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Springerville Chapel Monday, Jan 24, 2004. Burial will be at the Eagar Cemetery. Jewkes Mortuary, Springerville handled the arrangements.