Margie Tavra Hazelton, age 95 of Seymour, Missouri passed away Tuesday, May 17, 2016 on her rural Dogwood Community Ranch. She was born March 6, 1921 in Eureka, California the daughter of George and Sadie Tavra. Margie loved dogs, cattle and horses with a passion. She broke and trained horses and was well known in Southern California as a talented horse trainer. Margie became a prominent rodeo performer excelling in team roping and calf roping. Margie won the All Girls Calf Roping and attained the title of World Champion Calf Roper in 1950. Margie met her future husband, Richard Hazelton, while team roping and together they won many events. Richard was a prominent thoroughbred race horse trainer and they became a team of the leading trainers in the United States. In addition to her horse training, Margie was an accomplished oil artist and author. Margie taught oil painting classes in Phoenix, Arizona and at her ranch in Douglas County. She had several one-woman art shows in Phoenix and a show at Millwood Country Club in Springfield, Missouri. She sold her impressionist-style paintings and commissioned works throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Norway. Margie wrote the novel “Backside” in the 1980’s about horse training and her life on the racing circuit. In 1986, after nearly 30 years of training thoroughbreds, Margie retired from racing and bought a 500 acre ranch in Douglas County known as Dogwood Hills Teeny Weeny Ranch. Margie loved to cook and host parties (including her annual “Kite Party”) and only needed an excuse to invite her cherished friends to her ranch. Margie was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, William Tayra. She is survived by her step-granddaughter, Rebecca Turcott. Services and a Celebration of Life for Margie will be at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, May 28, 2016 at Dogwood Hills Teeny Weeny Ranch. Margie will be laid to rest in the family cemetery located on the Ranch, followed by a reception and sharing of great memories. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, the Springfield Art Museum or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
(417) 581-7811
PO Box 796, 1700 South 15th Ave, Ozark, MO 65721
barnesfamilyfunerals@gmail.com
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Mike and Theresa connolly says
May 18, 2016 at 6:44 pmWe will miss her greatly. A wonderful lady.
WRoy & Barbara Roworth says
May 19, 2016 at 7:42 amMargie was a good friend, a fascinating person; loved animals, loved people, loved life. We’re so glad we had the chance to know her.
Laura Scott says
May 19, 2016 at 7:42 pmMargie would tell you she had a great life and wouldn’t change a thing. I’m so grateful for our chance meeting on a flight from Denver. She mentioned horses and the rest is history. It was the beginning of 27 years of friendship and adventures. She will always be an inspiration to me for being a strong and independent person. Lots of us are cowgirl wannabes. Margie was the real deal. She set her mind to something and made it happen. I will miss her colorful personality, her ability to make me laugh, her support during hard times, her encouragement for me to reach my goals, her horse and dog training tips and just all the good times we had. Margie is the most unforgettable character I ever met and as long as I’m breathing she will be remembered and loved. My heartfelt sympathy to Rebecca and all her family and friends who are feeling this loss. Sad for those of us left behind her who love and will miss her. As for Margie, she did it her way. Well done, my friend.
Cathy Boyer says
May 19, 2016 at 8:32 pmSuch a loss for all who were lucky enough to know Margie. She has won the race of a adventuress life by great strides. Margie told me once to “Always saddle your own horse” and just that she did…
Sofie Vesterøy says
April 24, 2019 at 8:14 amThank you, Maggie… Your lived your dream. Strong, dedicated and talented. Fantastic to have met you, both in Bergen and in Missouri, and our fantastic road trip in your Cadillac all the way to Phoenix Arizona – and your gorgeous ranch and “Teeny Weeny Art Gallery”. It is simply unforgettable. I cannot believe that you are gone without seeing you again… Peace & Love, from Elin (Bergen/Norway)