Paulette Marie Bazzell , 102 of Fairbury, died at 6:33 am, Thursday, October 12, 2017 at her residence in Fairbury.

Funeral services will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at the First Baptist Church, Fairbury with Pastor Daryl Evans officiating. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery, Fairbury.

Visitation will be 4:00 to 8:00 pm, Tuesday October 17, 2017 also at the church in Fairbury.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be directed to the First Baptist Church of Fairbury, Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury or Advocate Hospice, Bloomington.

Mrs. Bazzell was born October 9, 1915 in Fairbury a daughter to Grover and Kittie (Knisley) Simpson.  She married Grover "Tobe" Bazzell on March 25, 1935 in Pontiac.  He preceded her in death on May 17, 1987.   Two brothers, three sisters, 2 great grandchildren, 1 great- great grandchild, 5 son in-laws, 4 daughter in-laws and one son, Kenneth Bazzell also preceded her in death in August of 2016.

She is survived by six sons, Gene Bazzell of Arrowsmith; Duane (Sharon) Bazzell of Kalaheo, HA; Donald (Carol Jo) Bazzell of Fairbury; Gerald (Carol Jean) Bazzell of Champaign; Larry Bazzell of Fairbury; Randy "Spank" Bazzell of Sheridan, CO; eight daughters, Carol Walls of Fairbury; Darlene Shaw of Rushville; Arlene Woods of Bradley; Andrea (Ronnie) Simmons of Dewey; Pauline Bazzell of Paxton; Barb Taylor, Delores (Bob) Ward both of Fairbury; Debra Ricketts of Wittmann, AZ; one sister, Nina Kidby of Lake Ronkonkoma, NY; one brother, Thomas Simpson of Fairbury;  45 grandchildren, 110 great grandchildren and 45 great – great grandchildren.

Mrs. Bazzell was a 1933 graduate of Fairbury Twp. High School and attended Rural Frye grade school.  She worked in Dietary dept. at Fairview Haven Retirement Community, Fairbury from 1976-1995.  She also worked as a substitute cook at Cropsey grade school and was a correspondent for the Colfax Press. Paulette was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fairbury since 1929 and served on the Naomi Circle and W.S.C.S of the Cropsey United Methodist Church.  Paulette was a beautiful example of love and faith for her children and all who knew and loved her.