Hazel Belle Whiting (Vargason)

Hazel Belle (Varguson) Whiting, daughter of Orrin and Belle Vargason, was born In Deer Creek, MN on August 3, 1915.
She attended Inmandale Country School in Deer Creek and grew up on a farm with her four sisters. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband Philip A. Whiting, her parents Orrin and Belle Vargason, sisters Myrtle Whiting, Ilo Whiting, Grace Persons and Irene Tigges.
Hazel had three daughters: Linda Lee Rogers and husband William, Carol Jean Robison and husband Michael and Kathryn Arlene Marek and husband John. Her eight grandchildren include: Michael Laverne Robison, Jr. and wife Candy, David George Rogers and wife Genni, Susan Marlo (Robison) Brush and husband Gregory, Damon Jay Rogers and wife Sanna, Leigh Ann (Marek) Phillips and husband David, Wendi Jean (Robison) Phillips, Derek Arthur Robison, Tamra Lynn (Marek) Johnson and husband Jamie.
Hazel had twenty-five great-grandchildren and eleven great-great grandchildren with two more on the way.
In 1935, Hazel made her first of many visits to Independence, MO. During one of those visits she met Phil Whiting who pursued her over two years as she traveled back and forth between Minnesota and Missouri. Phil visited Deer Creek, MN more than once trying to convince Hazel to return to Independence.
Hazel and Phil were married on October 15, 1939 and their first apartment was on West Maple Street in Independence. Phil was working at a Sinclair gas station on Prospect St. in Kansas City where he was earning $15 a week and when they found out Phil had married they gave him a $2 raise.
Hazel worked in various jobs over her lifetime which included housekeeping and babysitting for a family when she first moved to Independence, working at the U.S. Post Office and at J.C. Penney’s on the Independence Square and Blue Ridge Mall stores.
Hazel was a faithful member of the Community of Christ Church since her baptism in July, 1947 and upon her death was a member of the Summit Grove Congregation. Over the years she and Phil attended Second Church, Kentucky Hills, Cornerstone and Summit Grove congregations.
Hazel served the church in various ways throughout her life. Just to mention a few were as a Sunday School teacher, Zion’s League leader, Women’s leader and leader of a young adult group called the In-Betweeners. She and Phil assisted with Marriage Enrichment Seminars, a program to improve communication in marriages for four years.
Hazel and Phil enjoyed their travels over the years with their Airstream RV. Some of their favorite trips were driving across America, visiting England, Scotland, Hawaii, the Bahamas and Niagara Falls.
Hazel (better known as Nana Hazel to the grandchildren) loved each one individually and has left us with many great memories of her beautiful personality and smile. Her thoughtfulness, caring and loving spirit will always sustain us. She was a good and faithful servant both for her Heavenly Father and her family. Memorial contributions can be made to Summit Grove Community of Christ or North Care Hospice.