Obituary of Hazel Waberta Duby

Hazel Waberta Davis was born on July 21, 1927 in Monroe. She was one of ten children born from the union of the late Richard and Biddie (Watson) Davis. She attended Monroe High School. Birdie married the love of her life, Charles Henry Duby, on July 2, 1949 in Milan. She had worshipped at the Stewart Road and North Monroe Street Church of God. In the early 70’s, Birdie began employment with the hospital system. She worked in housekeeping in the surgical department for Memorial and Mercy Hospitals and finally Mercy Memorial Hospital after the merger. She retired from fulltime employment in the early 90’s. Birdie loved to stay busy and returned to work part-time until 2007. She loved socializing and family, and was known as the “Cool Aunt”. Birdie enjoyed cooking, and was known for her one-liners and witty personality. She liked to stay active and was always up for a party. An avid dancer, Birdie especially loved ballroom where she was an award winner. She seemed to float across the floor; dancing in Toledo, Sylvania, and was a member of the Fairlane Ballroom Dance Club in Dearborn. Birdie had been a member of the Monroe Senior Citizens. She had Kentucky roots and loved blue grass and country music. When shopping she always knew where to find the best deals, and as a bowler she played in several local leagues. Birdie often cleaned small game for local hunters, and shared her home with several pets and animals. Hazel, age 89 of Monroe, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017. In addition to her parents, her passing was preceded by her husband in 1966; siblings: Ethel Stratton, John Andrew Davis, Ruth Davis, Gladys Ellison, Preston Davis, Ruby Drummonds, Dorothy Long, Mildred Davis, and June Shoemaker; and son-in-law: Gary Cosby. To cherish her memory, Hazel leaves children: Nancy Cosby of Monroe and Paula (Mark) Kipf of Johns Creek, Georgia; grandchildren: Tiffany Lynn Cosby (Matthew Callaway) of Detroit and Eric Alan (Melissa) Brasher of Ida; and former son-in-law: John Brasher. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe, 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 1:00pm on Thursday, February 9 also at Merkle’s with procession following to Roselawn. Memorials are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Great Lakes Chapter. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.