HAZEL BUCHER

Hazel Moore Smith Bucher, 93, died Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000, at her Fort Myers, Fla., residence.

She was born May 21, 1907, in East St. Louis, Ill., the daughter of John Bert and Addie Mae Weeks Moore. Bucher had been a resident of Gallatin, Mo., and St. Joseph, Mo., before moving to Florida in 1993. She was married to Raymond Smith from 1925 to 1954. She later married James Bucher. He also preceded her in death.

Bucher worked at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau and entered the School of Practical Nursing, graduating in 1956. After graduating, she worked at the United Mine Workers Hospital in Harlan, Ky. In 1956, Bucher became a senior instructor at the Kansas City College of Medical and Dental Assistants. Through the years, she became a licensed practical nurse in Missouri, Kentucky, Ohio, Michigan and Florida.

Bucher was a member of Estero United Methodist Church in Estero, Fla., and also attended the Open Door Church of Bonita Springs, Fla. She was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen, Order of the Eastern Star and the White Shrine.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter and four brothers.

Bucher is survived by two daughters, Nita Watkins of Bonita Springs and Rita Johnson of Little Rock, Ark.; her sister, Geneva Davis of Janesville, Wis.; and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday in Walter Shinkany's Bonita Funeral Home.

Services will follow at 4 p.m. Wednesday, with the Rev. Bill Fisackerly officiating. Burial will be in Lightner Cemetery in Scott City, Mo.

An additional memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. March 10, 2001, at the Illmo Methodist Church in Scott City.