HAZEL CRISTINE McKEEVER, age 94, of Portage, passed away Saturday, April 07, 2012 at VNA Hospice. She was born on July 8, 1917 in Flannigan Township, Hamilton County, near Thompsonville, Illinois to Mike and Minnie Jane (nee Smith) Clarida. She married Harold J. McKeever in Chicago on December 17, 1946 who preceded her in 1998. Hazel was a resident of Portage for over 45 years, and enjoyed baking and crocheting for family and friends.

She is survived by 1 brother, James (Velma) Clarida of Galatia, IL; sister-in-law, Mildred Clarida of Portage; several loving nieces & nephews.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Leland Clarida, Ruth Jeanette Carlile, Ira Allen Clarida, William Franklin Clarida, and Eugene Ray Clarida.

Donations may be made to the VNA Hospice of Porter County.

A funeral service for Hazel will be Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave., Portage with Chaplain Craig Forwalter officiating. Burial will follow at McCool Cemetery. Visitation for Hazel will be Monday, April 9, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, (219) 762-3013 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.