Hazel Stine Reel, 96, of Olney, passed away Monday, February 17, 2025, at Stone Bridge in Olney surrounded by family.

Hazel was born June 19, 1928, in Cisne, IL, the daughter of Harry C and Nellie (Block) Stine. She was the 10th and last child born to her parents. She married Robert A Reel Sr. He preceded her in death.

Hazel was born and raised in Cisne, IL graduating from Cisne Community High School in 1945. After high school she went to work as a telephone operator in Flora, IL. There Hazel met this young, up-and-coming General Telephone executive, Robert (Bob) Reel. They married on January 17, 1947. As Bob moved up the ladder with GTE, they lived in Olney, Rochester, Mt. Carmel, Marion and then again in Olney, until his retirement in 1981. Together they had four children, Robert Jr., Aimee, Joel, and Christine. Hazel was a stay-at-home mother and homemaker.

In 1973, Hazel and Bob acquired Hazel's grandparents Albert and Lillie Stine's farm west of Cisne. The 60-acre farm was originally purchased in 1874 at $7.00 an acre. The house was built in 1892. Family has possession of the ledger used to keep track of expenses during building. The total cost to build a large two-story home was $596.54 in 1892.

Hazel and Bob spent over 10 years restoring the old farmhouse. After Bob's retirement they moved to the farm in 1985. The farm became a Centennial Farm in the state of Illinois in 1987. This farm was in the Stine family for over 112 years at that time. .

Hazel enjoyed restoring the original furniture in the farmhouse. Her other hobbies include gardening, macrame, cooking delicious meals and desserts. She loved sewing and quilting, making dresses for the granddaughters, quilts, pillows etc. for all grandkids. She shared her love of quilting with her sister, Alice Watson. She loved spending time with the Red Hat Society of Cisne.  Getting together frequently and meeting at Sam Dale Lake State Park, having lunch at the Middle of Nowhere restaurant at the park.   She was a St Louis Cardinal fan, enjoying going to ball games. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Bridge. Her most cherished moments were with her grandkids and great grandkids, hiding easter eggs at Easter gatherings and playing hide the thimble with them. Hazel had a wonderful smile and an infectious laugh. She will be missed by many, especially her family.

Hazel is survived by her sons, Robert Jr (Cheryl), Joel and daughter Christine (Tony) Graves. Eight grandchildren, Nineteen great grandchildren and one on the way in August.

Preceding her in death, husband, Robert Reel Sr. daughter Aimee January 2023., grandson Nicolas Reel, and nine siblings.

Visitation: Will be held Monday, March 3, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home Cisne, IL.

Funeral Service: Will be Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Burial: Will follow in Cisne Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL.