Obituary for Hazel Morgan Roberts

Hazel, who often commented that she came from being “dirt poor in New Mexico,” certainly rose above her childhood of near poverty to achieve great success in her life. She was born in Roswell, NM Feb. 10, 1948 and was raised on a small ranch some 30 miles from there. Hazel was relieved of her suffering on August 19, 2021, at 73 years of age. Hazel is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Rose, and two granddaughters, Shannon and Morgan; also by sister Lucy and brother Daulton plus nieces and nephews.

Hazel obtained her Bachelors Degree in 1970 from Ambassador College where she met Jim and married him that same year. Rose was born in December 1971. Hazel worked several years as a librarian at Ambassador. When Rose reached school age, Hazel, who viewed education as one of the most important issues of life, began working to finance attendance for Rose in a quality private school. At her non-profit firm for 18 years, she reached the positions of Treasurer and CFO.

Hazel gave up her career in 1994 to ably assist her husband in fulltime ministry of Worldwide Church of God/Grace Communion International. While serving in the Bay Area, a Presbyterian Church hired her to manage their office and she became their Parish Administrator for 13 years. She served the needs of elderly members there and was ordained a Minister of Congregational Care in 2011.

Hazel served with her gifts and skills in many capacities in both business and church endeavors. Among these was coordination of women’s and children’s ministries. She was known as dynamic, a “real trooper.” If there was a vital task or deadline to meet, Hazel was the dependable one who got it done. Many will miss her humor, sharp wit and funny stories.  

In recent years, Hazel suffered from severe arthritis and progressive dementia. Following a serious fall, she came under hospice care for her last 73 days. Although her spirit remained strong, her body betrayed her. Pain became constant for her, so the family is grieved but relieved that she is at rest and peace.