Hazel Belle (Gentry) Vandegrift's Obituary
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 lived most of her younger years in the “holler” outside of Bristol, Tennessee. She met her life partner Boyd while they both worked at a defense materials plant in Delaware. They married in 1945, then moved to Tacoma in 1946 to be close to Boyd’s family. Tacoma is where they spent the next 60 year’s together until Boyd’s passing in 2004. Along the way they had three sons, Gary, Ron, and Bob, who they loved, nurtured, and participated in life with. Both loved to accompany their three boys to watch, coach, and cheer on at their ball games and track meets. Hazel could be heard all the way across the track at Lincoln Bowl encouraging them on. Even as adult recreational participants you would hear Hazel across the gym or out in the outfield. According to family historians Hazel lived to be the oldest Gentry or Vandegrift.
Hazel was predeceased by her loving husband Boyd, and son Bob, as well as her siblings Robert, Minnie, Mary, Evelyn, Birdie, Peggy, Carol, and Bobby. She is survived by her son Gary (Becky) of Malaga, WA., Ron (Shar) of Des Moines, WA., grandchildren Christopher, Steve, Veronica, Amy, and Zak. She is also survived by sister-in-laws Phylis Vandegrift, Francis Vandegrift, Thongsee Gentry (Bobby) of Defuniak Springs Fl. nieces Jean Payne, Nancy Casteel, Sandy Passante, and many more great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A special thanks to Hollie Bartella, Lynzie Grantham, and Liz Day who provided respite care for Hazel. Also a heartfelt thanks to Jayson, William, Amy and all the loving stall at Gloria’s House AFH for the wonderful care they provided when home was no longer an option. All that knew Hazel loved her.
Services will held be at Mountain View Memorial Park Garden Chapel at 3:00 PM
Monday, December 29, 2025. Address 4100 Steilacoom Blvd. SW. Lakewood, WA.
(253) 584-0252. Reception will be after service in celebration of Life building. Video streaming of the services will be on the Mountain View web page link for those that cannot attend.
In Leu of flowers, please donate to the Washington State chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association
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