Birth date: Jul 16, 1925 Death date: Dec 15, 2025
Hazel Belle (Gentry) Vandegrift died peacefully on December 15, 2025 at the age of 100 years young after a long bout with Alzheimer’s. She was born to parents Nanny Wise and Smith Gentry on July 16, 1925 in Abington, Virginia. She Read Obituary
I met Ms Hazel while conducting a “welfare check” on her. She was the sweetest lady and we would talk for a while. I made it a point to check on her whenever I was working just to say hi. It saddens me to hear of her passing. I will never forget you Ms Hazel. Sgt. Dobbins Tacoma Police Department
Her favorite singer was Dean Martin!
Amoure was a favorite, along with "A bushel and a peck", and "Hot diggity dog diggity, boom what you do to me.
Hazel getting a warm foot soak. Luke would bring in cups of hot water to keep it warm. She loved having her hair brushed and lotion on her skin.
I write on behalf of the family of Gerald Vandegrift, brother-in-law of Hazel. We want Hazel's family to know how much we have loved you all over the years and our profound grief at the passing of Aunt Hazel. We hoped this day would never come, but alas, it comes for us all. Our many visits to the family home over the years are cherished memories. Aunt Hazel's kindness and Uncle Boyd's efforts to keep our father's fundamental knuckleheadedness in check will never be forgotten. Hazel's boys were always our role models whom we held in the highest of respect. They were cool cats from the city and we were country bumpkins from the outback in the Rocky Mountains. Their examples got us in plenty of trouble over the years but we wouldn't have had it any other way. We tune into the service online now with a mixture of sadness, but with a sly smile for all the good times we've shared. We couldn't have asked for a better aunt than Hazel.
Hazel was a joy to talk with. She talked about her life as a little girl, the early death of her mother, and the loss of a baby girl . Memories of a teacher who impacted her, the travels she had with Boyd ,and raising her boys.
She would light up when Luke (5) came with us. He was her entertainment when we worked. They played catch Penelope the pig, flew paper airplanes, sang songs, and she opened the same birthday bag that he put her chapstick stick and other items in, and looked surprised each time, over and over. He helped get hot water to soak her feet and would take the warm milk out of the microwave to her. If he was rambunctious, she would say, "boys will be boys," reminding him that she had three boys. We'll cherish the fond memories of our time with Hazel Liz Day
Hazel was a joy to talk with. She talked about her life as a little girl, the early death of her mother, and the loss of a baby girl . Memories of a teacher who impacted her, the travels she had with Boyd ,and raising her boys.
She would light up when Luke (5) came with us. He was her entertainment when we worked. They played catch Penelope the pig, flew paper airplanes, sang songs, and she opened the same birthday bag that he put her chapstick stick and other items in, and looked surprised each time, over and over. He helped get hot water to soak her feet and would take the warm milk out of the microwave to her. If he was rambunctious, she would say, "boys will be boys," reminding him that she had three boys. We'll cherish the fond memories of our time with Hazel Liz Day
She loved kids and dogs with her whole heart ❤️ They brought her so much joy over her final years…She would ask Hollie what kind of dog is this? When Hollie would would tell her that Reina was a Siberian Husky and Pomeranian mix she would ask, “How is that possible?” “This doesn’t seem ok.”
We love you Hazel❤️…the fact that you’re in heaven with Boyd makes us smile😍
I loved hearing Hazel loved to sing and how much it helped her feel better…Hazel and Hollie would sing Dean Martin songs and beautiful hymns that would bring Hazel so much joy❣️
