Death of Hazel Wait, Former Missionary to India

1916 – 2010

It is with deep sadness that Global Ministries announces the passing of former missionary, Hazel Irene Wait, on December 9, 2010.

Hazel was born on November 3, 1916, in Gaylord, Kansas, to Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Wait.  Hazel attended Round Hill Rural School in Smith County and Gaylord Rural High School, as well as Fort Hays State Teachers College, graduating from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1947.  Hazel was initiated into Alpha Pi Chapter, Kappa Delta Pi on May 14, 1965.  She earned her Master of Arts degree from Scarritt College for Christian Workers, and received an educational specialist degree from Peabody College in Nashville, Tennessee.   She was ordained on August 5, 1951, at Cedar Christian Church in Cedar, Kansas.

During her years of ministry, Hazel served as a minister in Christian education in several churches including Pratt and Downey Avenue Christian Church in Indianapolis.  She was commissioned as a missionary on June 15, 1952, and served as a teacher in India from 1952 until 1972, being associated with the Woodstock School, Mussoorie, U.P., India, which was nestled in the high foothills of the Himalaya Mountains.  Her association included the Dalai Lama and his entourage as they were in transition leaving Tibet.  She also served the Tibetan refugees by providing educational facilities and medical care for many of the thousands of Tibetans who fled across the India border.

A memorial service for Hazel Wait was held at Kansas Christian Home on December 15, 2010.  Donations under Hazel’s name will be accepted for the Legacy of John at Kansas Christian Home, 1035 Southeast Third Street, Newton, KS, 67114.  Messages of condolence may be sent to Hazel’s nephew, Roy Ratcliffe at 24901 Ullery, LaCygne, KS 66040.

Global Ministries thanks God for the life, ministry and testimony of Reverend Hazel Wait and for her outstanding contribution to the education to the people in India.