Hazel Estelle Roecker, 98, passed away Monday, February 25, 2019. She was born on June 15, 1920 in Clemville, Texas to the late Clifton Dewitt Salley and Mary Miranda Suladie Salley.

Hazel married Richie Roecker on December 26, 1941. They lived in Clemville and later moved to Markham.   She received a bachelor's degree from Denton Women's College and later her Master's degree from the University of Houston.  Hazel was a retired teacher who touched the lives of many children.  She taught school 2 years in Iago and 34 years in Markham.  Hazel taught Sunday School and Bible School in Clemville, Markham and later at the First Baptist Church in Bay City.  Hazel was an adult 4-H leader and was recognized for her dedicated service throughout Matagorda County.  When at home, she kept a neat house and enjoyed working in her yard.  She was an exceptional cook and always had cookies in the cookie jar and enjoyed canning.  She sewed clothes for her children and grandchildren; she also sewed for enjoyment.  Another one of her hobbies was doing needlepoint.  Each year she made a needlepoint Christmas ornament for each family member.  Grandma loved to have her grandchildren over to visit.  She was a well-respected member of the community and was always willing to help others; she was known for her homemade rolls.

Hazel is preceded in death by her husband Richard Emil Roecker. She is survived by her daughter Salley Rickaway and husband Fred of Ganado; sons Carl Smoot Roecker of Houston, and Geren Roecker and wife Nelda of Markham; five grandchildren, Shayne Rickaway, Shanna Moore, Shelley Beckman, Ryan Roecker and Jodi Spalek.  She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Blake and Brynnley Beckman, Emily and Ethan Roecker, and Madilyn and Colton Spalek.

The family will receive friends and extended family from 4:00-6:00PM, Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City, Texas. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Monday, March 4, 2019 at the First Baptist Church in Bay City with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating.  Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing.  Pallbearers are Dennis Rush, David Garcia, James Beyer, David Bradley, Willie Bohuslar Jr. and Ellsworth Machlan.  Honarary Pallbearers are all grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Markham Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 571 Markham, TX 77456 or to IPH Hospice Care 190 Abner Jackson Pkwy, Suite 220 Lake Jackson, TX  77566