Hazel Propst

Hazel "Shorty" Myrtle Propst, age 91, died July 3, 2007, at Monticello House in Jackson.

Shorty, as most people knew her, was born Aug. 30, 1915, to Charles and Ida Probst Statler in Sedgewickville, Mo. She married Lloyd Propst on Oct. 5, 1940. He preceded her in death Feb. 7, 1974.

Shorty was a lifelong member of Sedgewickville Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school for 25 years. She and Lloyd engaged in farming in Cape Girardeau County, where they were active in Farm Bureau and stayed abreast of developing and improved farming methods. Shorty was a member of the Critesville Extension Homemakers Club and Jackson Senior Citizens.

She attended elementary school at the old Conrad School in Bollinger County that was destroyed in the 1925 tristate tornado. The newspaper stated, "the little girl that received the most severe injuries probably will not make it!" She was the last tornado survivor in the area. She lived 91 strong, caring and faith-filled years.

She graduated from Central High School.

Shorty is survived by two daughters, Emilie (Gary) Wendel of Oak Ridge, Molly (John) Strickland of Jackson, as well as three grandsons, Ryan (Emily) Strickland of Tucson, Ariz., Brandon Wendel and Kyle Strickland of Jackson. One grandson, John Derek Strickland, preceded her in death as well as two brothers and three sisters, Elic Statler, Richard Statler, Stella Smith Baker, Tillerie Hahs and an infant sister. "Aunt Shorty" leaves many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Shorty embraced life, loved her family and friends and was an avid sports fan. Her interests included basketball, football, soccer and golf, and she was the No. 1 fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. She lived a life of faith, caring for others, visiting family, friends and church family in nursing homes until she became homebound herself several years ago. Her strong independence kept her active and able to care for herself in her home until mid-May of this year.

Cracraft Miller Funeral Home in Jackson is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jerry Bailey officiating. Burial will be in Sedgewickville Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Strickland, Brandon Wendel, Kyle Strickland, Jim Hahs, Steve Statler and Mike Statler.

Memorials may go to Sedgewickville Lutheran Church or Lutheran Family and Children's Services.