Hazel (Abby) Watson Jacobs was born April 7, 1938, in Yellow Jacket to Edward and Edith (Chamblee) Watson. She went to be with the Lord on Oct. 20, 2011.

Hazel was raised on their Yellow Jacket farm with her three brothers, Cecil, Bill and Tom Watson. After losing her mother at a young age, her father Ed married Sadie Chandler, which made her “sis” to eight more brothers. Imagine, 11 brothers! This had to be the beginning of her character building.

Hazel was united in marriage to Chuck Englehart of Lewis. She had often said that some of her fondest memories were of their first years when they traveled from state to state. She loved the adventure of living in a small RV hooked to the back of the old truck as Chuck worked in different mines. During this time their first child was born, Robert Carl.

After a few years of mining, Chuck, Hazel and Rob returned to Lewis. The farmland was purchased where they would continue their family. After Rhonda was born, they were still living in a single-room home that was later referred to as “the little red house.” It was evident they were going to need more space, so they built their first new home. After they moved in, Neal and Lisa were born. Never was there a dull moment as she guided her four children through all the adventures a farm could offer. Working on the farm and raising their family was Hazel’s first priority, but she was also known for her involvement in the community. She attended the Arriola church, helped lead projects in 4-H, Girl Scouts, and White Elephant fundraisers. Her kitchen was the most used room in the house. There was always cooking, baking, canning and then cleaning up to get it ready for the beauty shop, which included cut, color, perm and style at no charge. When she was not busy in the kitchen she was the local Avon lady and worked the winters at the county clerk’s office. On many occasions the family hosted ice cream and croquet gatherings in the summer, then followed that up with poker and chili parties in the winter. Hazel was a dedicated sister to her brothers and their wives. She dearly loved each and every one of her nieces and nephews. Hazel’s friends were like the sisters she never had.

The years flew by as their family grew and the farm was sold. They moved to Cortez, which is where Hazel began the greatest journey of her life. She met Christ as her personal savior.

In the years that followed, Hazel had many new pathways, the first being two years of school to become an ordained minister. Through her church and ministry she met and married Elvin Jacobs. During their marriage and their shared love of the word, Hazel became Abigail, aka “Abby.” After one blessed year of marriage, Elvin passed away. After the loss of Elvin, God began the ministry Abby is most known and loved for, The Ministry of Helps. Like Jesus, she guarded her personal time in prayer and in the word. One of her favorite ministries was the 12-step Spiritual Journey. Abby never ceased praying for her children, grandchildren and her church family.

Abby is survived by her three children, Rob Englehart and wife Vicki, Rhonda Crosby and husband Mark, and Lisa Gasper; by 11 grandchildren, Jeff, Jordan, April, Catelyn, Hanna, Emily, Jerrica, Tasha, Trevor, Amanda and Evan; by two great-grandchildren, Landon and Hudson Kay (due in December); and by her brothers, Cecil and Tom Watson.

Abby is preceded in death by her loving son Neal Englehart, Ed, Edith, Bill and baby sister Edith Watson.

Abby imparted love, spiritual inspiration, and wisdom into all our lives. She was a cherished counselor, mentor and friend to many. She will be forever missed.