Our beloved mother and grandmother, Hazel Kathryn Roberts, peacefully passed away on October 4, 2026, at the age of 87 at Golden Horizons Assisted Living in Sandstone, MN.

Hazel was born on October 24, 1938, in Quamba, Minnesota, to Lyle and Ellen Hancock. She grew up throughout Kanabec and Pine counties, including Henriette and Hinckley. Hazel was the middle child of five, and she seemed to carry that role with her throughout life—bringing people together, listening to every side, and becoming the glue of her family.

While living in Hinckley, Hazel met Raymond Roberts, and they were married on February 11, 1956. They shared 64 years of marriage, building a life together in Minneapolis and Hinckley before purchasing their farm in the Sandstone area in 1963, where they raised their seven children. Hazel considered raising her children her greatest accomplishment.

For most of her life, Hazel was a homemaker and farm wife. She worked alongside her husband on the farm, milking cows and raking hay in the summer. She also tended their large garden, growing vegetables and fruit. Rhubarb and cucumbers were favorites, becoming rhubarb treats and her much-loved Russian dill pickles. She also worked at General Andrews Tree Nursery, cleaned houses, and worked at Hardee’s before eventually retiring from the kitchens at the Willow River and Moose Lake correctional facilities.

Home and family were at the center of Hazel’s life. She loved gardening, canning, baking, quilting, sewing, reading, playing cards and dice, visiting family and friends, and caring for the many dogs and cats she loved over the years. She could find a use for nearly anything and rarely passed up a garage sale.

Hazel especially loved bringing her family together for holidays and summer gatherings at the family farm near Groningen. She gave the annual summer gathering its memorable name: “The Great Groningen Get Together.”

Kind, caring, giving, and dependable, Hazel was a steady presence in her family and someone people could always count on. She accepted life as it came, made the most of what she had, and rarely complained. Adaptable and steadfast, she kept her head down and figured things out—with an occasional flash of sass when the moment called for it. She showed her family, by example, how to be a good human being.

Hazel is survived by her children, Kathy (Charles) Dodge, Tim (Monica) Roberts, Sue (Steve) Schiller, Becky (Jim) Guiligowski, Marty (Sueko) Roberts, Jodi Wilson, and Jessica (Terry) Noaeill; 17 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Shelby (Keith) Kappauf; her brother, Allan (Claire) Hancock; and many other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Roberts; her parents, Lyle and Ellen Hancock; and her sisters, Doris Campbell and Linda Roberts.

Hazel’s greatest legacy was the family she raised and the example she gave them throughout her life. Her favorite song, “Happy Trails to You,” fittingly reflects the hopeful way she met life.

A visitation will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, followed by a service at 7:00 p.m. at Methven Funeral Home, 114 Fifth Street, Sandstone, Minnesota 55072. Light snacks and desserts will be served during the visitation.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.