Hazel Gilliland-Hodges

Hazel Clodine Gilliland-Hodges, of Holt, MI, left her earthly home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 7, 2023, at the age of 99. She was born January 23, 1924, in Herculaneum, Missouri, to parents Oliver and Flora Byington and was the eldest of 10 children. Hazel moved to Lansing in 1943 where she met and married her first husband, Russell Gilliland in 1946. Russ preceded her in death in 1992. She wed her second husband, David Hodges, in 1993 who passed away in 2015.

Hazel and Russ owned two motels in Mackinaw City during the mid-60’s and 70’s, The Vagabond and The Chippewa. She also worked at Denstaedt’s Hardware in south Lansing for many years.

Hazel served the Lord with gladness as a member of the Delta Mills United Methodist Church and for over 50 years was an active member of the Mason Post #150 Order of the Eastern Star.

During her life, Hazel traveled extensively, including travel to Europe, made several cruises, had many dear friends, enjoyed playing cards, bowling, and loved to entertain.

In addition to her parents and her two dear and loving husbands, she was preceded in death by 7 of her siblings. Surviving are Hazel’s brother Phil Byington of Vermontville, and sister Alice Carty of Salem, Missouri, and many nieces and nephews.

Hazel is also survived by sons Gary (Barbara) Gilliland of Howell and Michael (Christine) Gilliland of Holt, grandson Scott (Devi) Gilliland of Manistee and two great-granddaughters, Leia and Raquel and grandson Todd Gilliland of Howell. Also, grandson Patrick (Lisa) Gilliland of Holt, great-granddaughter Magan (Jared) Gilliland-Rodgers of Fowlerville, and four great-great-grandchildren, great-grandson Zachary (Becky) Gilliland of Potterville and two great-great-grandsons and great-grandson Ryan Gilliland of Holt as well as granddaughter Stacey (Mark) Stiles of Holt and great-granddaughters Rylie, Sydney and McKenna Stiles.

The family is being served by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel. Visitation will be Monday, September 11 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home followed by The Order of the Eastern Star Service at 7:00 p.m. On Tuesday, September 12, 2023, visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. lead by the Rev. Joe Spackman, pastor of the Delta Mills United Methodist Church. Graveside services will be privately attended.

Hazel’s family wishes to acknowledge and thank everyone at Green Acres Assisted Living and Memory Care in Mason and staff from Careline Hospice Services for the kind and loving care they gave to Hazel.

It was Hazel’s wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions honoring her long and happy life should be made to Delta Mills United Methodist Church (6809 Delta River Dr., Lansing, MI 48906) or Post #150 Order of the Eastern Star (Mason Masonic Center @ 840 E. Columbia St., Mason, MI 48854) or Careline Hospice (801 Rosehill Rd., Jackson, MI 49202).