Hazel Underwood Obituary

Hazel E. Underwood

Hazel Evelyn (Dillon) Underwood, 90, took her first steps on the streets of gold Friday afternoon, June 9, 2023.

Hazel was born Jan. 1, 1933, to John and Ollie (Cline) Dillon, who preceded her in death. As a child, she was a member of Perryton Church of Christ, where she met her future husband, Harrison. She graduated from Frazeysburg High School in 1951 and enrolled in Cincinnati Bible Seminary, where Harrison was also a student. They married April 19, 1952. Hazel invested her time in supporting her husband and raising their five children while Harrison finished school and began a preaching ministry that spanned 60 years. In 1961, Hazel began attending classes at night and in the summer to get her teaching degree, graduating from Ashland College (now Ashland University) in 1971. She taught for 30 years in schools in Ohio and Kentucky, teaching in elementary and junior high grades and later becoming a reading specialist.

Hazel was active in ministry in the churches Harrison served, teaching Sunday school, leading choirs, playing piano, leading congregational singing, singing solos, and working with youth. She and Harrison pioneered Bible Bowl in Central Ohio, coaching a team that won state championships at the Ohio Teens for Christ convention in 1973 and 1974. At an invitational tournament in Indianapolis, Indiana, she and Harrison won the award for best sponsors. She and Harrison were married for over 69 years until his death Dec. 1, 2021.

Five children were born to them, and they survive her, David (Robin) of Delta, Rebecca (David) Mahoney of Columbus, Jonathan (Kathy) of Cincinnati, Daniel (Toni) of Belize, and Deborah of Marysville; grandson they raised, Jared (Jami) of Bluffton; 13 grandchildren, Tabitha (Steve) Nelson of Dayton, Joshua (Kiki) Underwood of Cleveland, Jeremy (Michelle) Underwood of Cleveland, David Mahoney of Dayton, Adam Mahoney of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Joel Underwood of Cincinnati, Tim Underwood of Cincinnati, Ben (Stephanie) Underwood of Cincinnati, Stephen Underwood of Great Falls, Montana, Jared (Jami) Underwood of Bluffton, Michael Styer of Panama City, Panama, Jason Styer of Marysville, and Julia Smith of Marion; 14 great-grandchildren, Michal, Maddie, Ben, Bethany, Ellie, Jackson, Hadley, Brynlee, Morgan, Xavier, Josie, Maverick, Braxton, and Kazleigh; sister, Sue Gardner; two brothers, John (Paula) and Larry (Linda); and several nieces and nephews.

Hazel's services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Bethel Church of Christ. David Underwood will officiate. Burial will be at Cannonsburg Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, June 16, 2023, at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton, and 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Barnabus Project in Belize.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.