To view a livestream of the service visit https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas

Patricia 'Pat' Colby Hazel , 71, longtime North Dakota educator, Dickinson, ND, formerly of Velva and Minot, died Monday, December 28, 2020 in her home.

Pat was born April 28, 1949 to Benjamin and Bonnie (Talley) Grossman. She grew up in Dunseith, ND as a young child until her family moved to Velva, ND.  Pat spent lots of time around her grandma D'lela Talley as she ran her store along highway 52, near Logan, ND during her formative years. She graduated from Velva High School in 1967 and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from Minot State University in 1971.

Pat was once united in marriage to Warren Colby in December of 1967.  This union was blessed with four children.  They made their home near Voltaire, ND.

Pat started her teaching career at Bishop Ryan High School.  After two decades of service, she moved to Bowbells and later Mandaree, ND where she would spend the next twenty years as an educator between Mandaree, White Shield and New Town.  She was known as a fair but strict educator, who was proficient in an entire arena of Science education.  Many students saw the value of her teaching skills later in life, crediting her with the life lessons they learned during her nearly 50 years as an educator.  She retired at the age of 69 after serving many years as a substitute teacher.  She has called Dickinson home for the last several years of her life.

Pat married Robert Hazel in 2004 after twelve years of companionship. She remained a part of his life after their separation until he passed away in 2018.

Pat attended Our Savior Lutheran Church of Dickinson and was an active participant in various groups within the church.  She had a strong faith her entire life.  Pat enjoyed spending time in the outdoors and carried a love of animals her entire life. Horses, cats and dogs were loved deeply and provided many years of companionship. Pat loved to read and did so daily, which led to her ability to debate her family on a variety of topics.  Family gatherings often centered around these debates, sometimes heated, with respect given to every view provided.  Pat will be missed by all who shared in her life.

Pat is survived by her daughter Dr. Karna Colby, Goreville, IL; sons Charles (Kendra) Colby, Velva, ND, Shea (Rebecca) Colby, Blaine, MN and Cole Colby, Bismarck, ND; grandchildren Deacon and Otto Colby and Kalista Colby; siblings Paul (Pat) Grossman and Pete (Julie) Grossman, both of Hazen and Parrell (Sheri) Grossman, Bismarck along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents and former spouse Robert Hazel.

Private Family Service: 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2021 at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot with visitation being held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. To view a livestream of the service visit https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot, ND.
Memorials are preferred to Meals on Wheels or to an organization rooted in providing services to those in need.

Patricia Colby Hazel Flowers