Hazel Arvilla Childers, 94

Hazel Arvilla Childers, 94, passed peacefully on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at 10:03 p.m. surrounded by loved ones and competent, compassionate staff at North Valley Hospital. 

Her life began on a homestead in Rosedale Township, South Dakota. She was youngest of seven children born to Karl and Bertha Leslie. Hazel learned valuable skills growing up on the farm after the tragic loss of her mother to cancer at a very young age. Consequently, she was an accomplished fish and venison canner, sharpshooter, quilter and, with needlepoint, winning first prize many times at the Flathead County Fair.

Hazel had five sons, Sam, Dean, Tommy, Bruce and Ross. They gave her life purpose and joy.

Her 34-year marriage to Edward Ira “Chili” Childers brought love, adventure and countless memories of excursions into the backcountry hunting, fishing Neah Bay, Washington, hiking in Glacier Park, and wilderness camping. She was an exceptional fisherwoman; her tool of preference was a fly rod.

Hazel managed the Circle K in Whitefish for 20 years and was a lifelong member of VFW Auxiliary and Moose Lodge. She was Senior Queen of Whitefish Winter Carnival in 2006 and in 2008 was named International Worker of the Year for 20 years of service within the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. She loved her card parties, granny’s club and Red Hats Club. Together with her son, Dean, Hazel published a cookbook in 2005 and in 2009 she published a book of poems.

Hazel was preceded in death by her sons Tommy and Bruce, as well as her husband Chili, and her granddaughter Amy Mahrt.

She is survived by her sons, Sam House and family, Dean House and family, and Ross Beagle and family.

Her memorial will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at the VFW in Whitefish. Friends and acquaintances are welcome.