Hazel Livingston

Hazel Mae (Dykes) Livingston, a child of God, was born on May 25, 1950, to Betty Jean (McIntyre) and Raymond Dykes in Scottsbluff. She attended rural schools in Scotts Bluff County and graduated from Lyman High School in 1968. After graduation she continued her education at Scottsbluff Junior College, where she met Clinton James Livingston. The two of them went on to Chadron State College and were married on December 29, 1970, during Christmas vacation. Hazel earned a bachelor’s degree in May of 1972 and accepted a position teaching high school English in Hayes Center.

Hazel and Clint taught school, farmed, and ranched in Hayes and Chase Counties from 1971 to 1985, and four children were born to the couple: Chantel Jo, Chad Jerome, Clay Justin, and Carrie Jean. In 1985, the family moved to Garden County, and Hazel taught school, directed plays, and coached speech at Lewellen Rural High School until 1997. Her career in education concluded in 2002 in Arthur, where she was a teacher and the guidance counselor.

Over the years, Hazel also served others as an EMT, a Boy Scouts leader, a midwife’s assistant, and a board member of the Community Wesleyan Church. Activities that Hazel enjoyed include gardening, camping, “winning” Precious Moments ornaments on eBay, reading, and playing board games. Above all else, however, Hazel’s grandchildren brought her the greatest joy.

Diagnosed with ALS in September of 2004, Hazel lived knowing that each day is a gift. She made the most of every moment—loving her husband, traveling to see her children and grandchildren, cooking for family and friends, going to rendezvous with many friends, and praying for all of us. In life, Hazel was fearless. (She once rescued a snapping turtle from the bridge over Blue Creek, and she drove a car by herself in downtown New York City.) And in death, she showed us that real strength comes through the Lord. Forever selfless, Hazel was happy if those around her were happy.

According to God’s perfect timing, Hazel departed her earthly home on March 10, 2015. Receiving Hazel in heaven are her parents; a brother-in-law, Craig Livingston; her parents-in-law, Twila and Claude Livingston; and a niece and nephews.

Waiting to join her later are her husband of 44 years, Clint Livingston; her children Chantel and Brian Koerwitz of Lincoln, Chad and Nicole Livingston of Papillion, Clay and Maria Livingston of Fort Rucker, Ala., and Carrie and Billy Howton of Lake Minatare; and her grandchildren Ethan (12) and Lauren (8) of Lincoln; Colton (12), Connor (9), and Claire (5) of Papillion; Cohen (6), Catherine (4), Cecilia (2), and Charlotte (10 mos.) of Fort Rucker; and Liam (10 mos.) of Lake Minatare.

In addition, Hazel is survived by brother Butch (Heidi) Dykes of Lewellen; sisters Nedra (Cliff) Higgins of Alliance, Denise Everhart of Gering, Jeannie (Rik) Taylor of Omaha, and Etta (Bob) Taylor of Gering; brother-in-law Jerry (Conna) Livingston of Anthony, Kan.; sisters-in-law Cherie (Jess) of Dewey, Okla., Candy (Sidric) of Bartlesville, Okla., Crystal (Rick) Harms of Jay, Okla., Carla (Quinn) Pence of Harper, Kan., and Valerie Livingston of Orchard; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2015 at the Community Wesleyan Church in Lewellen with Pastor Ron Lauber officiating. Burial will follow at the Ash Creek Cemetery near Lewellen.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 5:00 Friday at the Holechek Funeral Home in Oshkosh. A remembrance service will take place Friday evening at the church.

Family and friends may view the obituary and leave condolences at www.holechekfuneralhomes.com.

Holechek Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is serving the Livingston Family.

Memorials in Hazel’s name can be designated to the Community Wesleyan Church or to the Tiger Den in Lewellen.