Carolee Hazlet

It is with great sorrow that we share the passing of Carolee Hazlet, February 27, 2024.  Carolee was born 19th of June 1933 in Madison, Wisconsin to Ernest and Leah (West)Petrich.  

The family moved to Los Angeles, California when Carolee was 3 years old. At the age of 14 following the death of her mother, she lived with her Great Aunt in Chariton County, Missouri, finishing high school at the Thomas Hill School. She has been a resident of Moberly since 1954.  In 1972, Carolee married Lyle (Red) Hazlet and they had a long and loving marriage.

Always focused on education, she attended the University of Missouri and Famous Commercial Artist College for commercial art, and enrolled in many classes at the Moberly Area Community College. After working as an office nurse for Dr. Noel Rains for many years, she obtained a Community Development Certification from the University of Arkansas. 

Carolee’s two passions were her family and community work.  She served on the Missouri State Department of Economic Development, working with communities across the state through the  Missouri Community Betterment Program.  One of her favorite projects was the General Omar N. Bradley Memorial in Rothwell Park.  She was also instrumental in obtaining the Jacksonville Veteran’s Cemetery and served on their Assistance League.  Always an advocate of the arts, she founded the Moberly Community Theatre in 1969 and has written, directed and produced several plays for adults and children.  She worked hard to remind Moberly that they were the hometown of the internationally famed writer Jack Conroy.

Perhaps her most well-known project was the restoration of the 4th Street Theatre.  This was a true passion for her.  As Project Manager, she raised funds through donations, grants and events to turn the dilapidated theater back to its former glory.  She wanted the theater to be a community building that made Moberly proud.  

She is survived by 2 daughters; Deborah and Alan Schmidt, Rocky Mount, Missouri; Paula Cross and John Arnold, Decatur, Illinois; and 1 son Stephen Cross and Toni Blanton, Columbia, Missouri; step-daughter, Diane Gideon and Roger Bohn, Mt. Pulaski, Illinois and brother-in-law Dennis Lawton, Decatur, Illinois.  She was beloved by her 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.  Her brothers Garry Petrich and Alan Petrich and her sister Valerie Gilbert are mourning her passing deeply.  Many nieces and nephews including Joe Hazlet and Francisca, Moberly, Missouri.

Carolee was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lyle (Red) Hazlet, her brother Ernie Petrich, her great grandson Gage Cross and her step daughter Linda Kriescher.

Memorial donations in her honor can be made to the 4th Street Theatre, Moberly or to the Jacksonville Assistance League, c/o Jacksonville Veterans Cemetery.

Words of comfort and support were shared with the family at a visitation that was held at the 4th Street Theatre, Moberly;  Funeral Services honoring and celebrating Carolee’s life followed.  A private Committal prayer and burial took place in the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, Mo.