Hazel May Giering

Five days shy of her 94th birthday, Hazel May Giering set down her worldly burdens and peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, January 19, 2026. Hazel was born on January 24, 1932 in Illinois to Ervin and Lena Redshaw. When her mother died, while Hazel was still an infant, family circumstances led to her being raised by her Aunt Blanche and Uncle Ernest Halbleib on an organic farm that was before its time. She then found her wings as a young adult and relocated to Anderson, Indiana where she joined her brother, Wayne, at Anderson College. It was there that she met her husband, Ellis Kent Giering. They snuck into South Meridian Church of God after hours one lovely evening, where Ellis proposed to her in the church sanctuary. They went on to settle down in Pendleton, Indiana to raise two children, Bradley and Marjorie.

For a good number of years, Hazel was a pastor's wife. When Ellis left the pastorate for a profession in the insurance field, Hazel went to work for the Pendleton school system as school secretary and as accompanist for the various school music programs. She also played piano and organ for many years at various churches, the last of which was Markleville East Christian Church.

Being a woman of many talents and interests, Hazel catered delicious cakes and cookies, becoming known in the area as, "The Cookie Lady." She kept her bird feeders full year-round to attract beautiful birds to her backyard. She enjoyed traveling, visiting many of the states, as well as international trips. She loved being surrounded by nature, taking leisurely walks in the woods with her grandchildren, who were the center of her world.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son, and her daughter. 

She is survived by her son-in-law, Keith (Jane) Betteridge, her grandchildren, Morganne (Austin) Cruz, Nathaniel Betteridge, and her bonus grandchildren, Jill Thor and Melody (Garrett) Straton. She was also blessed with great- and bonus great-grandchildren: Logan, Francis, Chloe, Goldie, and Etta.

Her devoted friends who visited her regularly while she was in rehabilitation following her traumatic accident in August 2022, and continued to do so when she transferred to assisted living for two plus years afterwards, were very dear to her.

Hazel's strong Christian family focus provided a firm foundation for those who are left to cherish her memory. She will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for April 2026. Hazel's services have been entrusted to Bozell Funeral Homes and Crematory- Brown-Butz-Diedring Chapel.