Hazel (Laffoon) Stracke

Hazel Stracke passed away early Wednesday morning July 31, 2019, at the age of 87.  Visitation will be 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday August 6, 2019, in the Parlor of Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Dr.  A graveside service and interment will be 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at Lorena Cemetery with Rev. Duane Hoxworth officiating.

Mrs. Stracke was born March 15, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of the late Edgar Ward and Anna Marie (Tierney) Laffoon.  She began her education at Sulllivan High School in Sullivan, Missouri, graduating in 1950.  Hazel attended Missouri Baptist Hospital’s nursing program and received her training in Tallahassee, Florida.  It was there that she began her nursing career.  She later moved to Jefferson City, Missouri and practiced there and in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1956, she met her future husband, Richard Lee Stracke.  In 1957, the couple married June 17.  In 1975, they moved to Waco where Hazel was employed by Providence Hospital.  The Stracke family had a love for horses and Hazel supported their interest at horse shows as being the best “horse-mother”around.  Throughout her successful nursing career, Hazel held many nursing positions until her retirement.

After retirement, Hazel enjoyed her grandchildren, playing Bunco, Bowling and cooking.

Also preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Richard; two brothers, Robert Laffoon, Carl laffoon; and a sister, Audrey Laffoon.

Survivors include a daughter Becky Stracke-Smith and husband Steve; a sister, Shirley Evans and husband David; two grandchildren, Jacob Smith and wife Hannah and Audra Smith.