Hazel Charlene Green

(Hazel) Charlene Green, age 91, passed away unexpectedly with her loving daughters at her side on October 5, 2023.  She was a resident of Lees Summit, MO, at John Knox Retirement Village.

Born the only child of Georga Rose (Mingus) and Bernard Povlovich on October 27, 1931, she lived most of her life in Kirksville and several years in the Baring, MO, areas.  In 1949, she married James Robert Mason of Kirksville and to this marriage two daughters, Cheryl and Debbie, were born.  Charlene married Ted E Green of Baring in September, 1963, who preceded her in death in May, 2004.  Surviving are her daughters, Cheryl Mason Litwin (Dr. Fred Regenstein) of New Orleans, LA, and Debbie Mason of Lees Summit, MO; three grandchildren, Jill Diehl (Colin) of Blue Springs, MO, Benjamin Litwin of Lafayette, LA, and Martin Litwin of Monroe, LA; four great grandchildren, Coltin, Brayden and Ethan Diehl of Blue Springs, MO, and Elliana Grace Allen of Monroe, LA.

Mrs. Green graduated Kirksville Senior High school in 1949, and from NMSU in 1973 with a BS degree in Early Childhood Education.  She dearly loved teaching Kindergarten classes in both Greenwood and Benton schools of Kirksville, as well as in Hannibal, MO, while her husband served there as Superintendent of Schools.  She enjoyed her days of retirement in their home outside Baring and then to the warmer climate of South Texas, where she and Ted loved the fun life of friends and golfing.  Upon the death of her husband, Charlene relocated to the Kansas City area to be near family.

When she wasn't tending flowerbeds or vegetable gardens, Charlene could be found in her craft room busily working on all types of needlework, knitting and crocheting projects. She loved the meticulous perfection skills required in quilting and created a variety of heirloom pieces for her family.  She most recently crocheted prayer shawls for the elderly and newborn infant blankets and caps for hospital nurseries.  Her final masterpiece was a special 4-piece snowman needlework Christmas creation for her only great granddaughter, Elliana.  Cooking, especially at Christmastime, was another love.  Of special note were noodle and gravy dishes, peanut butter fudge and pecan pralines. Finally, she adored her precious pets, particularly Shih-tzus Heidi & Tippy, and her beloved Maine Coon cat, Cuddles.

Mrs. Green was a former member of the Edina Country Club.  She was also a member of the International Order of Eastern Star and the First Presbyterian Church in Lees Summit, MO.

A graveside service will be held on her 92nd birthday, October 27, at 1:00 p.m., at Maple Hills Cemetery, Kirksville, MO, where she will be interred with family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a local animal shelter donation of your choosing.

Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home; www.davisplaylehudsonrimer.com.