Obituary of Hazel Roof Bockus

Hazel Roof Bockus, 95, of West Columbia, SC, went home to her Heavenly Father on May 9, 2022.  She was the daughter of Harvey Francis Roof of West Columbia and Beulah Blackburn Roof of St. Louis, Mo. She was married for 53 years to the love of her life, the late Lyle Leonard Bockus of Sackets Harbor, NY.

Mrs. Bockus was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sons Patrick R. Bockus of Columbia, and Lyle M. Bockus of West Columbia; brothers George Roof, Cleo "Buddy" Roof, Frank Roof, and Neeley Roof all of West Columbia;  and sisters Dot Roof Frye and Virginia Roof Kiser, both of West Columbia.

She is survived by grandsons Christian M. Bockus (Cathy), Anthony D. Bockus, and Jason P. Bockus; great grandsons Tony N. Bockus and Tyler Howe (Holly); great  granddaughters Alixandra Bockus Hoskins (Ryan), Savannah Bockus, Erica Shelton (Jaered) and Vada Phillips; eight great great grandchildren; and devoted daughter-in-law Trisha P. Bockus (the late Patrick R. Bockus).

Mrs. Bockus graduated Brooklyn Cayce High School in 1943. She began her full-time work career with Belk Department Store in 1949 where she began as a floor cashier, then moved up to head cashier, then office manager and on to credit manager. Mrs. Bockus retired from Belk in 1994 with 45 years of employment. She was a lifetime member of Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church in West Columbia.   

A talented, fun loving and generous woman, Mrs. Bockus enjoyed spending time with her family and doting on her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was a dear mother, grandmother and mother-in-law. She enjoyed working in her yard, feeding the various birds that flocked to her feeders every morning waiting on her and, with a gifted green thumb, growing beautiful indoor plants. She was known locally for baking huge old fashioned fruitcakes during the Christmas season and giving as gifts to family and friends. She crocheted beautiful afghans for everyone in the family, and taught herself how to play the piano.

Mrs. Bockus began each day with coffee and reading Bible devotions. Upon retirement, her daily routine expanded to include reading books, working the daily crossword puzzle, and taking well-deserved afternoon naps.

"Ms. Hazel," "Grandma Hazel," and "MaMa" will be missed greatly but will be kept alive with memories we hold dear to our hearts.

Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC is assisting the family.

Graveside services for Mrs. Bockus will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, 3011 Leaphart Rd., West Columbia. The Officiant for the services will be Rev. Gina D. Metze, Pastor of Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, 3011 Leaphart Rd., West Columbia, or a charity of choice.

Following the services, the family will receive guests in the church Fellowship Hall.