Hazel (Butts) Underwood was born on October 9, 1926 in the rural Mtn. Grove/Cabool area, the only child of Robert and Sophia Butts.  She passed from this earth on February 15, 2024 at the age of 97 years.

Hazel attended the Gum Springs school, a one room schoolhouse, before graduating from Cabool HIgh School, class of 1944.  There she met her future husband and several life-long friends. After graduation she attended Draughons business school in Springfield. On August 12, 1947 she married her high school sweetheart Gail, in Simmons, MO.  Soon after, they purchased a farm in rural Mountain Grove.  To this union two children were born, Linda (Andrus) and Gary.

Hazel worked at Bauer Brothers shoe factory while building the family farm.  In 1971 she was able to quit the factory and concentrate solely on the dairy farm.  The farm received awards for farm management from the University of Missouri in 1975 and 1980.  Hazel finally retired from dairy farming at the age of 80.

Hazel enjoyed traveling, Hawaii and Alaska were some of her frequent destinations.  She would often share pictures and stories of her travels to anyone that was willing to listen.  She was a wonderful cook, deserts and Christmas candies were some of her favorite to make.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Gail of 66 years.  She is survived by her daughter, Linda (Andrus); her son, Gary and his wife, Norita; grandchildren, Gail Lynn Johnson, Vicki Bailey and Aaron Underwood; great grandchildren, Jaydra, Will, Taylor, Sophia, Emma and Hazel.  She will be dearly missed by her friends and family.