Judith Hazen

Rockie Hazen, born Judy Wheeler on a winter day in 1946 in Loma Linda, California, lived a life marked by compassion, adventure, faith, and unwavering devotion to those she loved! The daughter of a young medical student and a newly trained RN, Judy spent her early childhood in the forest surrounding St. Helena Sanitarium and Hospital, a place she remembered as an ideal playground. She welcomed her brother 3 years later and her sister the year she turned twelve. In the late 50s, the Wheeler family moved to work in a remote hospital in Kentucky, where Judy often accompanied her mother-the "jeep nurse"-into Appalachian "hollers" to care for families in need. In the early 60s, the family relocated to Wildwood Institute in Georgia, where her father served as medical director. Judy treasured her years there, including her baptism. She graduated from boarding academy in 1965 and attended SMC in Tennessee, where she met theology major Ertis Johnson from Oklahoma. Together, they assembled snacks at the Little Debbie factory. The two married after she stopped nurse's training in her second year. Their journey took them to seminary in Michigan, where their daughter was born. Judy delighted in teaching her little girl songs about Jesus, exploring the woods together, and nurturing Fawna's early fascination with animals-especially reptiles. In the early 70s, the family moved to Oklahoma, where Judy became deeply involved in evangelistic music, cooking schools, motherhood, and caring for a rotating cast of beloved pets. In the late 70s, Judy returned to college, and soon after a young veterinarian opened a clinic in Hugo, where River Valley Veterinary Clinic is located today. Judy became his assistant, finally able to use her nursing training in the way she felt most called-caring for animals. She especially loved accompanying the vet to treat circus animals, forming a special fondness for the tigers and elephants. Her daughter often joined her after school to help in the clinic. The family later moved to western Oklahoma, where Judy embraced country life-planting flowers, raising cats and dogs, and enjoying the quiet rhythm of rural living. After her marriage ended in the early 90s, she moved to Colorado to be near her parents and sister. There she fell in love with the Rocky Mountains, hiking nearly every weekend with friends. It was during those years that she became known as "Rockie", a name that reflected both her surroundings and her spirit. Colorado brought joys and responsibilities: she became a proud grandmother, and she lovingly cared for her aging parents in her home for nearly eight years. In 2015, she met Wayne Hazen, whose kindness and support carried her through her parents' final years. They married in September atop Mt. Evans, one of the "fourteeners", and later settled in southeastern Oklahoma, building a mountain homestead together near Clayton. Rockie found deep joy in gardening, foraging wild edibles and medicinal plants, and creating a life rooted in nature and simplicity. In 2019, Rockie began losing her singing voice, and by 2021, her speech slowed. After a frightening choking episode while visiting a friend with ALS, she sought medical care and was diagnosed with Bulbar ALS in October 2023. Though given six months to a year to live, Rockie faced her illness with remarkable faith, courage, and grace. She continued studying her Bible, encouraging others with Scripture through text messages, and leaning on God's strength day by day. Wayne remained faithfully and prayerfully by her side, and her daughter, Fawna, supported her through the final stages of her illness. Rockie is survived by her husband Wayne Hazen; her brother Bruce Wheeler and family; her sister Barbara Tyson and family; her daughter Fawna Johnson; her grandson Cody Johnson-Winsett; four step-sons-Matthew, Xavier, Harper, and Theodore-and their families, including seven grandchildren; and her devoted little emotional support dog, Falina, who never left her side. A memorial service will be held September 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Wilburton Seventh-day Adventist Church. Cremation services are entrusted to McCarn Funeral Service.

Judith Hazen

December 6, 1946 - August 14, 2026