Obituary of Hazel Arree Staley

Hazel Arree Turner was born in Tazewell, Tennessee on June 6, 1929.  She was the youngest of five children born to the union of Charles J. Turner and Hattie Ann (Fultz) Turner.  As a young woman she worked as a grocery store cashier in Oakridge and Knoxville, Tennessee.

She moved to Monroe in January of 1947, and soon became a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church.  Hazel was employed as a cashier for a store in Detroit Beach and a then Packers and Wrigleys.  She married the love of her life, Clarence J. Staley in Byron Ohio on July 12, 1950.  Following her marriage, she focused on raising her children.

Hazel loved the Lord, enjoyed attending regular worship, and helping with Bible School for many years.  She later became a Charter Member of Heritage Baptist Church.  After Clarence retired from the City of Monroe Water Department the couple traveled to several World War II Veteran reunions. 

Hazel kept life simple.  She enjoyed taking care of her African Violet house plants and going for long rides in the country to observe beauty of God’s creation.  Her backyard was a peaceful oasis, where she sat and enjoyed the fresh air and entertained guests and neighbors with conversation.  She loved to look her best, always making sure to put on her makeup and throughout the years had accumulated a collection of more than 200 scarfs – to make sure she had something for every outfit.

Hazel Arree Staley, age 95 of Monroe passed away unexpectedly at 9:50pm on Sunday; September 15, 2024, at St. Joseph Mercy Medical Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan.  Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband: Clarence on January 18, 1998; three sisters: Trula Poore, Lucille Shaw, and Nola Killion; and a brother:  Claude E. Turner.  To cherish her memory, she leaves her daughter: Debra L. Staley of Monroe and a son: James Staley of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and two special nieces: Lucy Young and Millie Hill.

A memorial service Celebrating Her Life will take place at Noon on Friday; September 20, 2024, at Heritage Baptist Church, with Pastor Nate Click officiating, 612 Strasburg Road, Monroe, Michigan 48161.  A luncheon will follow for all of those in attendance at the church.  To provide others with the gift of knowledge, Hazel bequest her earthly remains to the University of Michigan Anatomical Donations Program.  Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Heritage Baptist Church.  Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.

A special acknowledgement to Dr. Cynthia Larson and her nurse Jillian for their kindness, compassion, and care.