Hazel Monthei, 95, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2024, with her family around her.
She was born August 30, 1928, in Scranton, where she graduated from high school in 1946. Hazel was the daughter of Blanche and Roy Maile of Scranton. She met the love of her life, Bane Monthei, while working at Louie’s Ice Cream Shop in Jefferson. They were married on June 5, 1948, and were married for 58 years, until Bane passed away in 2006. They raised four children, Debby, Randy, Sharon, and Fred, while living on the family farm, three miles west of Jefferson.
During her marriage she held several jobs while raising four children. Along with helping her husband with farming, she was secretary at the Central Christian Church during the 1960s, then worked at Home State Bank during the 1970s. She purchased the Mode O Day store on the south side of the square in Jefferson and operated the store for about 10 years. Then she began another career selling real estate, obtaining her broker’s license and continued to sell real estate until she retired.
Hazel enjoyed bowling, golf, and pinochle card parties with friends. She also enjoyed gardening and was a voracious reader, reading two or three books a week until shortly before her passing.
Travel became a big part of Bane and Hazel’s life after retirement. They spent 25 winters enjoying friends, golf and warm weather, first in Las Vegas, then Mission, TX.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bane, her parents and seven siblings, as well as her beloved dog Duncan. She leaves behind her children, Debby Monthei, Randy Monthei, Sharon Monthei and Fred Monthei; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Remembrances may be made to Central Christian Church, the Community Animal Shelter, or the ARC of Greene County.
The family is very grateful to the hospice team and wonderful staff at Greene County Medical Center for their kind and gentle care of our mother.
The family is assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, www.sliningerschroeder.com.
