Hazel Claudine Terrell, 92, of Ottumwa, died at 8:42 a.m. May 25, 2026 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
She was born March 15, 1934 in Ottumwa to Otto and Sarah Greene Huffman. Claudine married Ramon L. Terrell on December 2, 1950 and he preceded her in death on November 26, 2004.
Known to everyone as Claudine, she lost her mother when she was just 15, she became the mother and caretaker of her family. She had numerous nieces and nephews that loved Aunt Claudine dearly.
Later in life she volunteered as a member of Ottumwa Regional Health Center Auxiliary. Providing help and comfort to families was something she was so very good at. While living at Woodland Estates, she enjoyed leading Bible studies, playing UNO and called the numbers on bingo nights.
Recently her brother Bob relocated back to Ottumwa after spending the last 70 years in California. He moved into Woodland Estates, and they were able to spend these last few years of their lives together.
Claudine was devoted to her faith. She was a member of High Point Foursquare Gospel Church where she taught Sunday school for all ages since 1960. Claudine also attended Way of Peace Ministries. There is no doubt in any of our minds that she is in heaven with all those who preceded her.
She is survived by her son, Michael (Susan) Terrell; her daughter, Darla (Brad) Francis; grandchildren, Amanda Terrell-Orr, Kimberly (Steve) Fears, Shelley (Jeff) Shepherd, Dane (Chelsea) Francis, Paige Francis, Tucker Terrell; great grandchildren, Madison (Treyton) Damerval, Kamryn Fears, Ethan Orr, Charlie and Wolfgang Shepherd, Ariya and Rowan Francis; one great-great- grandchild, Nora Damerval.
She was preceded in death, by her husband Ramon; her daughter, Debbie Pence; son-in-law, Dennis Pence and son Travis Terrell. By her siblings Otto Huffman Jr, Max Huffman, Bob Huffman and Violet Groenewald.
Visitation will be open at 1 p.m. Wednesday May 27th at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Graveside services and burial will be 2 p.m. Thursday May 28th at Ottumwa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Way of Peace Ministries.
