Hazel L. Bennett's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Hazel Lourene Bennett, age 97 of Charleston and a former long-time Ashmore resident, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at her Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center home. Visitation for family and friends will be held this morning, Tuesday, December 3, 2013 from 10:00 - 11:00 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin immediately following the visitation with Pastor Susan Reichenberg officiating and with Eastern Star services conducted by members and guests of Ashmore Eastern Star Chapter #670. Burial will follow in the Ashmore Cemetery located in Ashmore. It is requested that thoughtful donations in her honor be made to the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Hazel was born on December 17, 1915 in Coles County, Illinois, a daughter of Arthur and Ethel Iva (Anderson) Woodyard. She was married to Dale Anderson who was killed in an accident in 1953. She later married Charles A. Bennett on May 4, 1958 and they were blessed with nearly 53 years of marriage and friendship prior to his passing on March 15, 2011. Hazel was extremely close to her family, sister Daisy Irene Wright and husband Robert (deceased) of Charleston; brother Russell Eugene Woodyard (deceased) and wife Betty of Charleston; nephews, Ron Woodyard (fiance Stacy Henn) of Ashmore, Kent Woodyard (deceased) and wife Candy of Ashmore; niece, Paula Ann Hilgendorf and husband Steve of Tuscola, IL; great niece, Mindy (Jarid) Brown; and great-nephews, Jacob (Samantha) Hilgendorf and Joel Hilgendorf. Hazel was also especially fond of and close to Phil and Joyce Watson of Ashmore who were dear friends to her and Charles. Hazel grew up northwest of Charleston attending Walnut Grove and Humboldt Grade Schools and graduating from Humboldt High School. She was a valued employee of the Ashmore State Bank for 25 years. She was a long-time active and faithful member of the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church where she assisted with Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir and was a member of the Sunshine Sunday School Class. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Ashmore Chapter #670 for more than 50 years and served as their treasurer for 30 of those years. She was also a member of the Coles County Home Extension. Hazel, along with Charles, were vital members of the Ashmore community and through their community involvement they cultivated many dear and life-long friendships which included Max and Mary Cooper who now reside in Charleston and Hubert and Dorothy Goble who are deceased. They served as members of the Ashmore Community Club for a number of years and Hazel was thrilled when they were honored as Grand Marshals for the Ashmore Days events. She was well known for her outstanding culinary skills and whenever there was a community or family gathering her hot rolls were always in demand. She blessed her family with her marvelous baking skills as well, and memories of themed birthday cakes specially created and prepared by Aunt Hazel, are treasured by her nieces and nephews. The many kindnesses that Hazel extended to others reflected her kind and gentle nature and compassionate heart. She will forever be remembered and loved for these admirable qualities and the positive ways in which she touched the lives of others.Click to view Hazel's memorial video.
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