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Memorial Services for Hazel Lucille (Watson) Johnson, age 95, will be Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs with Pastor Rod Heilbrun officiating.

Burial was in the Hay Springs Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for the Hay Springs New Fire Hall Fund. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain-Drabbels Mortuary, P.O. Box 443, Hay Springs, NE 69347.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Hazel Johnson passed away on May 21, 2010, at Chadron Community Hospital, just a few days before her 96th birthday.

Hazel Lucille (Watson) Johnson was born May 25, 1914, the youngest daughter of Joseph Watson and Mary (Walgren) Watson. She was born on the family farm south of Hay Springs. The family moved to their farm north of Hay Springs and she and her two brothers and 3 sisters spent their childhood years there. She attended rural grade schools and graduated from Hay Springs High School. Following one year at Chadron Normal School, she began teaching school and taught for the next seven years, boarding with families in the school districts. Many lifetime friendships grew from these years.

On June 18, 1940, she was united in marriage to James A. Johnson and they began their life together on the Joe Green place east of Hay Springs. In 1952, they bought the Henry Olson farm twelve and one-half miles south of Hay Springs. They farmed their until Jim’s death on April 13, 1981. Hazel continued to make her home there until she moved to Pioneer Manor in 2004.

Jim and Hazel were blessed with three children, Patsy, Joe and Jim. Joe and Jim continue the family farm and she was very proud of them and Johnson Cattle Company.

She was a member of the Rebekah Lodge until the local lodge closed. She was also a member of the VFW Auxiliary, and served on the school boards of both districts where her children attended school. She was also a member of the Hay Springs United Methodist Church and Methodist Women, both of which she enjoyed thoroughly. She also enjoyed traveling a great deal and took numerous trips with tour groups.

Hazel enjoyed gardening and raising her chickens each spring. She was a wonderful cook; her meals will be long remembered by her family, numerous hired men and friends and neighbors. She loved people and never met a stranger. She thoroughly enjoyed social events and loved to play cards. She took great pride and joy in her family and loved to have the grandchildren and great grandchildren spend the night or stay the week end with her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, her parents Joseph and Mary Watson, sisters; Grace Reynolds, Julia Davis and Josephine Johnson and brothers Will and Lyle.