Hazel Elnora Strobel

Hazel Elnora Strobel passed away on Friday, Aug. 19, 2016, in Billings. She was born on Nov. 13, 1923, to Bertha Nerenz Shear and Earnest Ellsworth Shear in Mildred, Montana. She spent her early years in the small community of Calypso along the Yellowstone River in eastern Montana and later moved with the family to McIntosh, South Dakota. She and Hugo Strobel were married on Dec. 24, 1941, in Baker. Hugo then entered the United States Army and Hazel resided with her parents until his return after the war. Hugo then was employed by the Milwaukee Railroad and they lived in various communities along the railroad until they built their home on Independence Lane in Billings, where Hazel continued to live for over 50 years.

Hazel was a devoted homemaker, gardener, and loved children. She not only raised her own children, but babysat for her grandchildren and other children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugo; her parents; her brothers, Everett, Melvin "Pete" and Robert "Bob"; and great-grandson, Jacob Gressman. She is survived by her children, Roberta "Bobbie" and husband Pete Williams of San Antonio, Texas; Russ and wife Claudia of Forest Falls, California; Randy and wife Julie of Virginia City; and John of Tacoma, Washington. She also is survived by eight grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and her sister, Lucille (Bonnie) Strobel of Rapid City, South Dakota.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch of Billings, which she supported for many years.