Hazel B. Francis

Hazel B. Francis, age 78 of Taylor Ridge, Illinois, formerly of Raritan, Illinois, died at 12:15 p.m. Saturday October 15, 2016 at her home. She was born September 22, 1938 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Russell and Mala Calhoun Brokaw. On January 22, 1961, she married Marion C. Smith. He preceded her in death on June 9, 1964. On May 22, 1966, she married Milo D. "Mike" Francis in Kirkwood, Illinois. He preceded her in death on October 12, 2006.

Mrs. Francis lived most of her married life near Raritan, moving to Taylor Ridge in 2010. She was a homemaker and had worked at Country Fun Restaurant and Bowling Center near Biggsville for several years. She also worked for the Review Atlas Newspaper in Monmouth for a few years. She was a graduate of Media-Wever High School in Media, Illinois.

 

Hazel was an avid bowler and was a member of the Western Illinois Bowling Congress. She was also a member of the Warren County Saddle Club.

Survivors include three daughters, Barbara (Michael Anderson) Cole of Owatonna, MN, Mary (Shawn) Strachan of Reynolds, IL, Ann Danner of Oneida, IL, seven grandchildren, Daniel and Jessica Cole, Carrie and Chloe Strachan, and Emma, Erin, and Erica Danner, Several brothers and sisters in law, including Alice Brokaw of Stronghurst, Marilyn (Dick) Jackson of Berwick, IL, Richard (Thelma) Smith of LaHarpe, IL and Judy (William) Burt, also of LaHarpe.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, two brothers, Lawrence and William Brokaw, and five sisters, Ethel Mala Kirkland, Ruth Brokaw, Helen Heikes, Carolyn White, and Frances Wells.

The funeral service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Thursday October 20, 2016 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst . Burial will follow in the Raritan Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Banks & Beals. A memorial fund has been established for the Raritan Volunteer Fire Department. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.