Hazel was truly a person who never met a stranger. She would strike up a conversation with anyone, whether in line at the grocery store, in a waiting room or anywhere she happened to be. Hazel was born in Christian County on July 16, 1927. She graduated from Ozark High School in 1945 and soon after moved to Springfield, where she met her husband Emmett. They married in 1949. Hazel was a member of Schweitzer United Methodist Church for over 55 years.
Hazel was preceded by her parents Henry and Pauline Kessinger, her husband Emmett, son Dennis, grandson Jamie, sister Mary and brother Raymond.
She is survived by her daughter Phyllis Gilliland of Plano, TX, son Kenneth Burk, son-in-law Paul Rucker, both of Springfield and daughter-in-law Pam Alderman of Aurora. She is also survived by grandchildren Natalie Rivera (Jerry) of Richardson, TX, Christopher Gilliland of Silver Springs, MD, Sam Burk and Daniel Burk, both of Springfield, Ann Marie Burk of McPherson, KS and Thomas Burk of Kansas City, MO. Also, two great grandchildren Ethan Burk and Bethany Burk, both of Springfield, as well as many close friends and relatives.
Hazel was employed by AT&T for many years, from which she retired in1990. She passed away on Monday, June 12 at the age of 89. Donations in her memory may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
Services will be held at Greenlawn East on Wednesday, June 21 at 11:00 a.rn., with burial to follow at White Chapel Cemetery.