Hazel Kula Obituary

Kula

Hazel Adelia

(Steward) Kula

November 22, 1923

August 29, 2021



Our beloved Hazel Kula, passed peacefully at her home in Colorado Springs on August 29, 2021.

Born November 22, 1923, in Richland, Missouri to Fred and Laura Steward, the middle of three girls, Hazel attended the University of Missouri until World War II began when she went to work at Ft. Leonard Wood. Out of the thousands of soldiers that passed thru her office as part of their physical exams, she fell in love with a Minnesota boy who had put his football career aside to join the army.

Their 64-year love affair produced 2 children and while dad was teaching and coaching, she was the hub of the "Kula" wheel, our moral compass and took on the role of caregiver thru years of dad's medical issues. At the age when most are considering retiring, mom opened and operated Hazel's Christmas Shop in Manitou Springs for 12 years. When she sold it and they moved to East Colorado Springs she was finally able to enjoy belonging to the Ruhamah Temple Patrol, connecting with women who became like sisters as they traveled, cooked peanut brittle, and marched together.

Hazel will be remembered as a thoughtful listener, cross word wizard, avid reader, multiple State Fair Blue-Ribbon winner, proud to be Irish, she loved puppies and babies, ice cream, Oscar de la Renta, and every kind of jewelry. Her family will always remember Thanksgivings at the cabin in Cascade; turkey, potato dumplings and pumpkin pie served with mom's grace and dignity.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Al) Unser; four grandchildren, Darin (Angila) Pine, Brian (Marla) Kula, Lindsey (Kent) Ervin, Brigg (Tess) Kula; several great-grandchildren; nephews Chris Pearcy, Clint Davis, Karl Davis, and niece Sandy Campolieta.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Kula; her son, Murray Kula; her great-grandson, Brandin Pine; her niece Sherry Ann Baca; and her sisters Freda Davis and Helen Pearcy.

Special recognition to her loyal caregivers, June, Lyn and Jayni for their loving care and to the neighbors who kept watch and found time to sit and visit with her on the porch.

A memorial service to pay tribute to her life will be held on Sunday, October 3 at 11am at the Colorado Springs Masonic Center, 1150 Panorama Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made, in Hazel's name, to the Daughters of the Nile Foundation or a charity of your choice.