Azelia Mae Severs, 97, passed peacefully at 11:50 pm on November 10, 2023 at Lamoine Assisted Living in Macomb, IL. She was born February 3, 1926 in Weissert, NE to George and Mina (Pirnie) Cooksley. She married Richard H. Severs on July 31, 1949 in Weissert, NE. He preceded her in death on November 1, 2015.
Surviving are two sons, Rick (Robin) Severs of Macomb, IL; Brad (Cindy) Severs of Macomb, IL; Daughter-in-Law Karen Severs of Macomb, IL; 8 grandchildren, Ryan (Kelly) Severs of Macomb, IL; Matt (Mackenzie Brittingham) Severs of Dallas, TX; Loren (Melissa) Severs of Columbia, MO; Anne (Kenny) Meyer of Macomb, IL; Blake (Mary Ann) Severs of Macomb, IL; Chris (Taylor) Severs of Dallas, TX; Grant (Makenzie) Severs of Quincy, IL; Nick (Madison) Severs of Macomb, IL and 11 great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Randall, sister Vivian Bomberger of Lincoln, NE and two brothers Steve Cooksley of Anselmo, NE and Leo Cooksley of Weissert, NE.
Azelia grew up on a Nebraska ranch. Her mother encouraged the pursuit of an education in nursing which she did at the University of Nebraska as a cadet nurse. Her patriotism and love of country continued her entire life. After his return from the Pacific theater of World War II, Dick and Azelia were married and lived in Holdredge, NE. The three boys were born in Nebraska’s Christmas City (Minden). The couple owned a Western Auto store in Holdredge from 1950 – 1958. While operating this store, they discovered Mid-States Distributing, a buying cooperative located in St. Paul, MN. The couple read a federal agricultural report which indicated Kewanee, IL being an area of high pork production, so they packed up and headed east. Upon stopping over in Macomb on a bustling Friday night, their destination changed. Macomb’s agriculture, industry & higher education combined with a good school system and welcoming, energetic atmosphere sparked the desire to make this home. It seemed the perfect community to raise a family and a fledgling business. And so, in April of 1959, Farm King was opened just north of the train depot in Macomb. It grew to its six locations plus the corporate offices and distribution center. Azelia deserves much of the credit for this growth.
Azelia, focused on raising the family and keeping a home through the 1980’s. Her talents in the kitchen were inspiring to all fortunate enough to experience them. Her wonderful table presentation and home design reflected her attention to detail and beauty. She demanded high standards of both her and of those around her. She was a strong, but caring woman, full of grace and dignity.
As her boys returned to the family business, Azelia realized the need for her presence in the office, whether it be as a consultant, a voice of reason or simply a referee. She joined the growing purchasing staff, bringing her years of life experience to the position of toy, houseware and domestics buying. She continued in this for nearly forty years until the 2020 period of Covid. She was 94.
Youth of Macomb have always been important to Azelia. When Logan School became available, she encouraged it’s purchase and donation to the YMCA for a much-needed childcare facility. She always supported Bomber Boosters and frequented the many sporting events of her children and grandchildren. She was a member and avid supporter of the Macomb Country Club.
Grandma Severs adored her grandchildren and later, her great grands. Holiday family gatherings were a special event in the Severs home. Trips to the lake house in Missouri were full of family bonding, incredible meals, card games of pitch or three to thirteen (which she often won) and fun on the water. She is fondly remembered in the kitchen creating her culinary masterpieces, baking cookies, Texas cake and freezing homemade ice cream. She welcomed all.
Daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, Azelia will be sorely missed. She left a legacy to be admired and remembered. God bless her in this next journey. May she find peace.
Private graveside services will be held at the Oakwood Cemetery. A Celebration of her life is planned for November 18, 2023 from 3-6 pm at the Macomb Country Club. Suggested in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 189, 120 S. MacArthur St, Macomb, IL or Tunnel to Towers at www.t2t.org. Click “Donate” at top of page and fill in the box that states “in memory of”.
Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com
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