Hazel Mae (Boatman) Scherer, 83, of Olney, died Saturday, November 27, 2010, at Burgin Manor in Olney. In her last few years, she suffered from Alzheimer's disease and was under hospice care.  Cremation rites were accorded. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Olney with Reverend Gary B. Ryden officiating.

Mrs. Scherer was born March 25, 1927, in Olney, the daughter of Ernest and Carrie Ruth (Gregory) Boatman. She married Junior M. Scherer on June 30, 1946. She and Junior lived their entire 64 years of marriage in Richland County and gave their four children a rich heritage of faith and love.

She was baptized as an infant and nurtured in the faith by her parents and the congregation of Trinity Lutheran Church in Olney. She was a gifted musician and faithful follower of Christ and served her congregation and the community all her life. Her gift of music was evident from childhood. She would play the piano for hours at a young age, played the French horn and accordion in high school, and at the age of 12 became the organist at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was the principal musician there for more than 60 years, giving glory to God and serving the congregation with her music. Hazel was very active in the community playing for weddings and funerals, accompanying instrumental and vocal ensembles, singing in community choruses, and playing for the Olney Arts Council's musicals and plays at the college. While she was an accomplished musician, it was the expression of her soul through music that touched so many.

She will be remembered for her giving spirit, surprising wit, and gracious life. Hazel also worked as a receptionist/secretary for Drs. Dale and Smith, Trinity Lutheran Church, Summers Funeral Home and finally First Presbyterian Church of Olney, from which she retired after many years of service.

Mrs. Scherer is survived by her husband, Junior Scherer, of Olney, son, David Scherer and his wife, Jama, of Evansville, Ind., daughter, Karen Scherer, of St. Louis, son, John Scherer and his wife, Rene, of Olney, and son, Gregory Scherer, of Harper's Ferry, W.V.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Carl Boatman and his wife, Rosemary, of Colorado Springs; sister-in-law, Mary Beth Winchester, of Olney; and brother-in-law, Charles Sterchi, of Olney.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Carrie Ruth Boatman, and sister, Esther.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)