BEECH GROVE, Ky. — Hazel Kirtley, 88, of Beech Grove, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, at Clinton Place in Clinton, Kentucky. Hazel May Hudson was born Jan. 16, 1936, in McLean County, Kentucky, to the late Edgar and Clara Frances Hinton Hudson and was married to Walter Gene Kirtley on March 17, 1953.
Hazel was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and friend who lived a life marked by love, dedication, and joy, touching the lives of all who knew her.
Throughout her life, Hazel embraced the role of a homemaker, creating a warm and inviting home for her family and friends. Her hands were rarely still, as she found joy in crocheting and cooking, often sharing her creations with those around her. Hazel’s love for her family was evident in every meal she cooked and every stitch she crocheted.
An active member of her community, Hazel’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, where she formed lasting friendships and contributed to the church’s mission through her service and participation.
Hazel’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and the countless memories she created with her family. She had an exceptional ability to make each of her grandchildren feel special, and her guidance and wisdom will live on through them. Her kitchen was the heart of her home, where she lovingly prepared meals that brought everyone together, fostering a sense of togetherness and tradition.
Hazel, fondly known as Nana by her loved ones, was the beloved wife of Gene Kirtley, with whom she shared a remarkable journey of 70 years. Together, they built a family founded on strong values and unwavering support. Hazel was a devoted mother to her four sons, Dennis Kirtley (Pam), of Hartford, Kentucky, Steve Kirtley, of Evansville, Indiana, Barry Kirtley, of Guffie, Kentucky, and Timmy Kirtley, of Owensboro, Kentucky. Her nurturing spirit extended to her 10 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandsons, all of whom she adored and took immense pride in.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at Muster Funeral Homes, Calhoun Chapel. Burial will be in the Bethel Baptist Cemetery in McLean County. Friends may visit with Hazel’s family from 11 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Friday at Musters in Calhoun, Kentucky.
The Hazel Kirtley family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Bethel Baptist Cemetery Fund; C/O Jeep Ward; P.O. Box 45; Beech Grove, Kentucky 42322.
Hazel’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 2 p.m. Friday.
Share your memories and photos of Hazel at musterfuneralhomes.com.