Hazel Louise Goeddertz Ladner, 95
"A beacon of kindness has left our world." At 95, Hazel Louise Goeddertz Ladner, youngest daughter of a pioneer northern Montana ranching and oil family, "passed from this earthly existence" on July 12, 2009, at The Springs Assisted Living in Whitefish.
Hazel Louise Goeddertz was born in Great Falls on June 25, 1914, to Albert Goeddertz Jr. 'son of Albert and Agnus Goeddertz) and Anna Goeddertz (daughter of August and Henrietta Leistiko). She was the youngest of three siblings: sisters Clara Agnes (Herd/Postlewait), and Ada Marie (Agen), and a brother, Albert Henry Goeddertz.
Hazel attended schools in Kevin, Great Falls and Shelby where she graduated. She received a teacher's degree from Western Montana College in Dillon. She returned to Kevin where she was both teacher and principal of the Kevin Elementary School, an uncomfortable situation for her numerous nephews and nieces who were students at the time.
In 1938 she married Charles August Ladner, son of Nicolas and Kahryn Ladner (daughter of August Kropp of Choteau) and their blessed union lasted 64 years. They had no children.
The couple first made their home in Sunburst, where Charlie worked as office manager of the Texas Oil Company. When the refinery closed, they were transferred to Craig, Colo. Following several years in Craig, missing family in Montana, they returned to Kevin to make their home. There they engaged in the family ranching and oil business. Charlie also entered the oil supply business and worked as office manager for National Supply, a subsidiary of Arco Steel. He retired in 1970 after which the couple made their home in Woods Bay on Flathead Lake.
While a teacher, Hazel was first a homemaker and wonderful cook. She was active in the Shelby Chapter of the Eastern Star and became worthy matron. She also served as grand chaplin of the Grand Lodge of the Eastern Star of Montana. She was a member of the Bigfork United Methodist Church.
The couple traveled frequently, spending their winters in California. Her favorite place of all, however, was Maui, Hawaii, where they spent four winters in later years.
Hazel was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother and sisters; and nephews, Gordon Lean Postlewait and John Roderick Agen.
She is survived by nieces, Doris Lavon Postlewait Shennum of Swan River, and Jackie Ladner of Finley Point; nephew, Jerry Lee Agen, of Bainbridge Island, Wash., Woods Bay and Shelby; and numerous grandnieces and nephews.
Gone from us is a wonderful, loving aunt and friend. All who came to know her loved her. She will be greatly missed. Our deepest appreciation and thanks go out to the wonderful staff and residents of The Springs at Whitefish, the nurses of Home Options Hospice, and Drs. Thomas Caughlin and Stan Wilson, and her many good friends who showed her much love and kindness.
Visitation will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 16, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. A memorial service celebrating Hazel's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 17, at the United Methodist Church in Bigfork, with Kathy Young officiating.
Memorials in Hazel's name can be made to the United Methodist Church Capital Retirement Fund, 750 Electric Ave., Bigfork, MT 59911.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Hazel's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Hazel's guest book.