Myrna Rae Hazzard Emanuel

Myrna Rae Hazzard Emanuel, age 77, passed away on April 23, 2025, surrounded by the love and support of family—both here and beyond the veil.

Myrna was born to Gayle and Maxine Hazzard on March 17, 1948, in Lexington, Nebraska. She had an older brother Gary and two younger sisters Mary and Robyn. Following her parents' divorce, her mother moved Myrna and her siblings to Fort Collins in 1963.

Myrna fondly reminisces about her beloved sister Mary, who has always occupied a special spot in everyone's heart. Growing up in the 1960s, she loved dancing to American Bandstand and defying societal expectations. Robyn recalls the time Myrna and her friends crafted Beatnik sweatshirts in a basement to wear to school.

Myrna married her first two husbands at a young age, and from each marriage, she welcomed two children. In 1978, she took another chance on love, marrying Gerald Emanuel, affectionately known as Jerry. They shared 42 years together. Myrna and Jerry spent their last two decades in Benson, UT, on their little farm, where they enjoyed being near three of their four children and twelve of their fifteen grandchildren. One of their greatest regrets, however, was not living closer to their oldest son, who built his life and raised his family near the military base where he dedicated his career to serving and protecting our country—something she was always deeply proud of.

Myrna attended Fort Collins High School and later obtained accounting certifications from Front Range Community College. Years later, she returned to Colorado State University to earn a Bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Consumer Science. As a working mother, she primarily held office positions, but later flourished in the mortgage and real estate sectors, earning the title of Rookie Realtor of the Year in 2011 and serving as President of the local Women's Council of Realtors.

Her hobbies included painting crafts, focusing mainly on toll and ceramics. In the 1980s, she became a certified ceramics teacher. She loved buying and browsing through magazines and cookbooks, and her love for baking was evident as she frequently made cookies—often for her husband, though we all knew they were really for her enjoyment. The best of times was spent with grandkids.

Myrna was a quiet Christian who became a member of the Methodist church in the 1980s, later joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She cherished a particular image depicting Christ's second coming and eagerly anticipated that day. Some of her closest friends throughout her life were those she met at church. Following the passing of her dear husband, her last companion was Hector Cantu, a devoted servant of God. He provided love and care to her as her mental faculties diminished due to the devastating effects of dementia.

Throughout her life, Myrna always had one or more pet dogs, whom she adored and spoiled, providing them with the best life a dog could wish for. Her childhood dream of becoming a teenage rodeo queen led her to own several beautiful horses over the years.

We are deeply grateful to all who loved her, cared for her, and walked beside her throughout her life. A heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff at Autumn Care and Aegis Hospice, whose gentle patience and loving care over the past six months meant so much.

Preceded in death by her Husband Jerry, parents Maxine Yankee & Gayle Hazzard, older brother Gary Hazzard, granddaughter Deserae Turner, great grandchildren Luke Osborn and Paisley Ann Loveland. She leaves behind two sisters, Mary Hazzard and Robyn [Mike] Vanosdall; Her children Tammy Loveland [Jon], David [Sharon] Loveland, Mike [Cindy] Emanuel and April [Matt] Turner; Grand Children and Great Grand Children.

A private family memorial will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, to honor and celebrate her life. While the gathering will be small and intimate, the family warmly invites you to share your condolences, memories, and stories in her online memory book. Your kind words and reflections are deeply appreciated and bring great comfort during this time.