Hazel Marie Mellies

Hazel Marie Russell Mellies passed away on Friday, May 1, 2009 at Bingham Memorial Extended Care Facility in Blackfoot, Idaho. Hazel had just celebrated her 100th Birthday on January 30, 2009.

She was the daughter of Richard Charles and Sadie Van Der Vlies Mitchell. She was born January 30, 1909 in Shelley, Idaho. She attended schools in Shelley, Burley and Preston, Idaho. Hazel had two sisters Cora and Mildred, and six brothers Archie, Clifford, Fred, Francis, Cornelius and Harry.

She was married to Marion Cook Russell on June 2, 1928. On May 24, 1965 their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They had one son Bruce Marion Russell. They enjoyed camping and fishing together. On January 1, 1976 her husband Marion passed away.

On August 28, 1982 Hazel married Woodrow W. Mellies. They were able to do some camping and fishing and spent time in Island Park. He passed away on July 31, 1990.

Hazel worked many years in Dry Cleaning plants in Shelley and Idaho Falls. She also worked for the R.T. French Plant in Shelley, Idaho.

She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints, serving in the Primary and Relief Society organizations. She served for 24 month on the German Extraction Program for the LDS church. She was actively involved in the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers.

Hazel is survived by her son Bruce (Betty) Russell of Shelley; six grandchildren, Eric (Doris) of Shelley; Connie (Steve) Hamilton, MT; Neal (Claudia) Idaho Falls; Richard (Sheri) of Ammon; Natalie (Steve) of Shelley; and John (Kris) of Shelley; 21 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, four stepchildren and families. She is survived by one brother Harry of Knoxville, TN and sister-in-laws Wilma Mitchell of Shelley and Margaret Mitchell of Gainesville, Florida.

Hazel loved her family so very much! She enjoyed spending time with them and so appreciated all they did for her. She loved to garden, quilt, crochet, sew and visit with friends and family. At 98 years old Hazel still would plant flowers and pull weeds outside. She was a wonderful lady, mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Monday, May 4, 2009 at the Shelley 10th Ward Chapel (1555 North 700 East) in Woodville. The family will receive friends Monday morning 9:30 till 10:40 at the church. Burial will be at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak Street) in Shelley.