Hazel Courtright McCord

April 29, 1933 - June 13, 2022

Hazel Irene (Courtright) McCord age 89, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma died peacefully on June 13th, 2022. She was born in Independence, Kansas on April 29th, 1933. She was the daughter of John Ernest Courtright and Hazel H. Messenger Courtright. She was the wife of Robert Allen McCord and mother to four children. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother William Ernest Courtright. Hazel graduated from Independence High School and attended Pittsburg State University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Education. She then completed her master’s degree from Lewis University and her Doctorate Degree from Northern Illinois University, both in Educational Administration. Throughout her professional career, Hazel focused on educating children, young adults and herself. Hazel began her teaching career in the basement of the family home, leading a private Kindergarten before they were part of the local schools. She then served in many educational positions as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and Assistant Superintendent at several School Districts in Illinois and Oklahoma. Hazel relocated to Oklahoma with her husband Robert (Bob), once he retired from his career in the oil / plastics industry. Hazel immediately found a position at Northwest Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma where she was Professor of Education and Director of Student Teaching. Hazel traveled throughout Oklahoma as the State Director of Gifted and Talented Education visiting and monitoring programs. She also mentored many student teachers for Northwestern Oklahoma State University. After Bob’s passing, Hazel married Orville Ritter from Alva, Oklahoma, adding Norville & LaDonna Ritter and Jennifer Ritter to her family. She spent many years in Alva enjoying teaching, friends and family. Orville’s passing and Hazel’s retirement provided an opportunity for Hazel to move closer to her immediate family in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. In 2013 Hazel married Dale Tolin and they spent many years traveling the world together. Dale’s children, Doug & Susan Tolin, Diana & Troy Lewis and Tim & Melissa Tolin were added to Hazel’s growing family. Hazel is survived by her husband Dale and her four children and their spouses, Karen & Morris Salge of Bartlesville Oklahoma, Steve & Terry McCord of Round Rock, Texas, Russ & Toni McCord of Okeana, Ohio, and Linda & George Johnson of Elk City, Kansas and her six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 on Friday, June 17th, 2022, at East Cross United Methodist in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, the family ask for donations to The Journey Home. 900 Washington Blvd. Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006.