On June 1, 2025, the Batesville community lost a beloved figure, Bertha Ann Hazelwood, who passed away at the age of 75 at Mercy West Hospital in Cincinnati.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to passion, service, and her community.
Bertha’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched as a devoted mother, grandmother, volunteer, and champion of Batesville High School athletics.
Born on May 29, 1950, in Batesville, Indiana, Bertha was the only child of Irvin and Callie (Corwin) Schott.
A proud 1968 graduate of Batesville High School, she was a student-athlete who carried her love for sports and community into every chapter of her life.
Bertha’s roots in Batesville ran deep, and her connection to the town shaped her into the extraordinary woman she became.
Her fierce determination and competitive spirit marked Bertha’s early years.
She found a unique passion in muzzleloader shooting, a skill that earned her recognition and trophies at numerous competitions.
But Bertha didn’t keep her talents to herself.
She brought her love for history and muzzleloading into local classrooms, where she captivated students with hands-on demonstrations, sparking their curiosity about the past.
Her ability to connect with others through shared passions was a gift she carried throughout her life.
On February 13, 1975, Bertha married the love of her life, Carl E. Hazelwood.
Their marriage was a partnership built on mutual respect, shared dreams, and a deep love for their family and community.
Together, they raised two children, William “Bill” Irvin Hazelwood and Bernice Lynn Essick, and welcomed two grandsons, Levi and Wyatt Essick, who brought immense joy to Bertha’s life.
The loss of Carl preceded Bertha’s passing, leaving a void in her heart, but she carried on with the same strength and grace that defined her.
For 41 years, Bertha dedicated herself to her career at Hill-Rom, retiring in 2009.
Retirement, however, was not a time to slow down for Bertha.
Instead, it gave her the freedom to pour even more of her energy into the causes she cared about most—her family and the Batesville community.
For Over 30 Years, Bertha Was The Heartbeat Of Batesville High School Athletics
As President of the Athletic Boosters and assistant to the Athletic Director, she worked tirelessly to support student-athletes, coaches, and fans.
Her contributions went far beyond any job description. She was a mentor, a friend, and a role model who showed what it means to serve with grace and humility.
Bertha made a strong impact on the athletic department by organizing events, supporting teams, and creating a welcoming concession stand for Bulldog fans.
Her dedication and love for Batesville were inspiring.
As the Batesville Athletic Boosters wrote in their heartfelt tribute:
“It is with deep sadness that the Batesville Athletic Boosters share the passing of one of our most devoted Bulldog supporters, Bertha Hazelwood. For over 30 years, Bertha poured her heart into the Bulldog community—as President of the Athletic Boosters, assistant to our Athletic Director, and the familiar, welcoming face at the concession stands.
Via Facebook
Her dedication, friendship, and unwavering support touched countless lives, and she will be dearly missed by the entire Bulldog family. We extend our heartfelt prayers to her family during this difficult time. “
Bertha’s warm smile and dedication made her a beloved figure among students, parents, and fans, whether she was organizing fundraisers or working the concession stand.
Bertha is survived by her son, William “Bill” Irvin Hazelwood (Erin), her daughter, Bernice Lynn Essick (Thomas), and her cherished grandsons, Levi and Wyatt Essick.
Her family was her pride and joy, and she took every opportunity to support and celebrate them.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Hazelwood, her parents, Irvin and Callie Schott, and her brothers-in-law, Charles Hazelwood and Winston Holt.
Bertha’s love for her family extended to the broader Batesville community, where she treated everyone like family.
Her grandsons, Levi and Wyatt, were especially close to her heart, and she loved watching them grow and cheering them on in their own endeavors.
The Batesville community will come together to celebrate Bertha’s life with a visitation on Monday, June 9, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 10, at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Andy Allen, followed by burial at St. John’s Cemetery – Huntersville in Batesville.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Batesville Athletic Boosters to support the purchase of new concession equipment—a fitting tribute to Bertha’s years of service at the heart of Bulldog athletics.
These donations will ensure that her legacy continues to support the students and teams she loved so dearly.
