Hazel Lois Westerhold

Hazel Lois (Higgins) Westerhold, 93, of Odessa, Missouri passed away Sunday, March 10, 2024, at her residence in Odessa surrounded by her loving family. 

Hazel was born in Holden, Missouri on July 1, 1930, to Jewell and Effie (Millett) Higgins. She graduated from Chilhowee High School. Hazel worked for Holden Garment Factory as a seamstress for 15 years. Hazel was united in marriage on February 11, 1950, to Russell L. Westerhold in Warrensburg, Missouri. He preceded her in death on April 21, 2016. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church. Hazel was known for her unwavering commitment to various community organizations, including serving as the president of the VFW Auxiliary and Good Samaritan. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Hazel found joy in teaching Sunday school and mentoring young minds as a 4-H leader. Hazel had such a giving heart; she would volunteer by delivering meals to auxiliary police, and volunteered at the clothes closet.     

Hazel was survived by Betty Watson of Higginsville, MO, four grandchildren, Desira (Scott) Edwards of Skiatook, OK, Denise (Todd) Glover of Kansas City, MO, Pam (Dale) Mifflin of Clinton, MO, Donnie Barker of Blue Springs, MO; six great grandchildren, Alex (Anna) Ventimiglia of Independence, MO, Jennifer (Wade) Sell of Clinton, MO, Samantha Ventimiglia of Skiatook, OK, Brittany (Jake) Littrel of Colona, IL, Garrett (Tabby) Mifflin of Clinton, MO, Hannah Glover of Kansas City, MO, Chance Glover of Kansas City, MO; eleven great-great grandchildren, Natalie, Addison, Aurora, Lily, Vanessa, Aniah, Laeney, Creighton, Ava, Conrad, and Luca; one son-in-law, Jim Harkness of Blue Springs, MO; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  

Along with both her parents and husband, Hazel was preceded in death by a daughter Glenna Harkness; one brother, Charles Higgins, two sisters, Joanna Gilman and Violet Skidmore; one great-great grandchild, Serenity; and a son-in-law, Pete Watson.