Hazel Margaret Weber, 97, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on May 5, 1927, in Logan County, Colorado, to Conrad and Katherine (Krum) Amen at their family home, Hazel lived a life full of warmth, kindness, and cherished memories.

Hazel married the love of her life, William Walter "Buck" Weber, on February 16, 1947, and they shared 65 wonderful years together. Their love story began with a home run at Buck's baseball game, and the rest was history. Together, they raised five beautiful children—Deborah, Diane, Paula, Willanette, and William—and created countless precious memories on the family farm.

Hazel was a woman of many talents and passions. In her early years, she worked as a seamstress in Sterling, Colorado, honing skills she carried throughout her life. She crafted beautiful garments, quilts, afghans, and intricate needlepoint, including her infamous house slippers, which she generously made for her family and friends.

She often lent a helping hand at Buck's Conoco, the family-owned business, where her presence brought energy and joy to the workplace. She was an accomplished golfer, proudly recounting the tale of her incredible hole-in-one on the ninth hole. Beyond her personal achievements on the green, she shared her love of the sport as a junior golf instructor. Hazel's competitive spirit extended to bowling, where she excelled, playing alongside her husband and dear friends, and attending state tournaments for both golf and bowling. She dedicated her time to her family and community, serving as a Cub Scout leader for her son, William.

An exceptional cook and avid gardener, Hazel had a knack for creating beauty, whether in her kitchen or her vibrant flower beds. She loved feeding and watching birds in her garden and found serenity listening to the melodies of her wind chimes. Hazel also kept an immaculate home, so spotless that her loved ones often joked you could eat off the floor.

In quieter moments, Hazel delighted in playing the organ, filling her home with music that resonated with her gentle spirit. She also enjoyed playing cards—especially pitch—and creating works of art with acrylics, watercolors, and colored pencils.

Hazel had a deep love for watching rodeos on RFD-TV, proudly recognizing riders by name, and her enthusiasm for the sport was infectious. Family meant everything to Hazel, and Christmas Eve gatherings were especially dear to her heart, filled with laughter, love, and cherished traditions. Her life was a testament to hard work, love, and a deep appreciation for the simple joys.

Hazel was baptized and confirmed as a child at the Zion Congregational Church in Sterling, Colorado. She was a long-time member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and later frequently attended Christ the King Catholic Church in WaKeeney, Kansas with her daughter, Deborah, and son-in-law, Chuck.

Hazel is preceded in death by her husband, William Walter Weber; her daughter, Willanette Jamison; sons-in-law, Ross Wagner and Ross Jamison; her parents, Conrad and Katherine (Krum) Amen; sisters, Esther Roth, Bertha Hergenreter, Flora Shelabarger, Ruth Hergenreter, Betty Robinett, and her brothers, Herman, Albert, and Jake Amen.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Schoenberger (Chuck Kuntz), Diane Wagner, Paula McCurdy (Mike), and William Weber (Denise); her chosen sister, Ruelena McGlasson; 18 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; nine step-great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way; three step-great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews who she was so proud of.

A memorial service to celebrate Hazel's remarkable life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Big Creek Golf Course in Hazel's memory and sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.

To share memories, express condolences, or leave a message of support, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.

Hazel's vibrant spirit, generosity, and unwavering love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

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