Hazel Elaine Ekstrom Clark

Hazel Elaine Ekstrom Clark was born on November 5, 1936, in Malad, Idaho, at her home. She was the daughter of Levi Bunting Ekstrom and Emma Sine Henriksen and one of eleven children. Her siblings included Levi, Doris, John, Pearl, Donald, Grant, Gloria, Jay, Albert, and Dixie.

Hazel grew up on a farm, where she developed a love for climbing trees, raising horses and dogs, and cherished spending time with her family. She attended school in Malad.

It was there she met the love of her life, Melvin Austin Clark, Sr. As the story goes, Melvin pursued Hazel all over the Malad Valley, but she initially wasn’t interested. However, Melvin eventually wore her down, and they were married on May 26, 1954, at her parents’ home in Malad. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 3, 1963.

During their time together, the couple lived in Puerto Rico for a brief period while Melvin served in the military. Once Hazel was expecting their first child, Melvin returned to Malad so they could be near her family until their baby was born. After Mel’s service, the family moved to Pocatello, where they raised eight children: Melvin Jr, Deborah, Janice, Michael, Lawrence, John Paul, Steven, and Keven.

Hazel is survived by her 8 children, 18 grandchildren, and 41 great-grandchildren. She was a devoted mother who loved her husband and children deeply. As a wife, she was supportive and loving, and as a mother, she provided a home filled with warmth, kindness, and endless love. Her home was a gathering place for family, friends, and neighbors. Her famous popcorn balls were always a treat that brought people together.

Hazel was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities throughout her life, including Relief Society President, Compassionate Service Coordinator, primary teacher, Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout Leader, and a lifelong visiting teacher and minister.

Family and friends meant everything to Hazel. She especially loved any kind of event that brought family together. There was never anyone who wasn’t welcome in her home, and she had an incredible ability to make others feel loved and valued. Her entire life was devoted to preparing and teaching her children and grandchildren to be successful and to work hard and play harder! Her sweet testimony and kind spirit touched the hearts of all who knew her.

Mel and Hazel shared 70 wonderful years together, and it comes as no surprise that Hazel was unable to be without Mel for long. After just three months apart, Hazel joined her sweetheart, Mel in Heaven, where they are now reunited.

Hazel is deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.

A family and friends visitation will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 550 West Cedar in Pocatello, Idaho, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Malad City Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.

To watch the reading of the life sketch at 11:30, CLICK HERE.