Hazel Mayberry 08/15/2013

Hazel Mayberry, age 88 of River Falls and formerly of Hamilton County, IL, died on Thursday, August 15, 2013 at the River Falls Area Hospital.  Hazel was born the daughter of Frank and Veda (Files) McKenzie on November 10, 1924 in Piggot, AR.  She grew up in Hamilton County and was a graduate of Norris City High School.  She married J.L. Mayberry in September of 1943.  During WWII, Hazel set turrets on tanks as a crane operator.  She held other war industry jobs as well as working as a waitress.  After the war, she raised her family and kept their home.  Hazel was very supportive of her husband’s military career.  They moved all around the country and abroad, living in California, Colorado, Illinois, Florida, and Germany.  Hazel always joined a church everywhere they lived regardless of specific denomination.  She enjoyed traveling, and they continued to travel the country in an RV in their retirement.  Hazel enjoyed cooking, baking, crafts, and gardening.  She loved to spend time with her family, and was always willing to help a neighbor in need.  She was a beautiful woman in heart and body, selfless and determined.  Hazel was cheery and optimistic, and loved to have fun.  She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Veda McKenzie; husband, J.L. Mayberry; daughter-in-law, Mary Mayberry; brothers, Marion (Deanie) McKenzie, Porter McKenzie and two infant brothers; brothers-in-law, Ulis (Opal) Mayberry, Charles “Junior” Mayberry.  Hazel is survived by sons, Michael (Gretchen Kirk) Mayberry, Jim Mayberry, Stephen (Diane) Mayberry; grandsons, Trent (Jane) Mayberry, Kyle (Sherry) Mayberry; great-grandchildren, Catherine and Chloe Mayberry, Max Mayberry; sisters-in-law, Mildred McKenzie, Johanna Mayberry; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  Hazel will be buried next to her husband in New Prospect Church Cemetery, Broughton, Illinois without ceremony.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services of River Falls.