Hazel Claudine Carper LaRue, 98 years young, of Palm Bay Florida, passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2022.

She was born to the late Walter Leonard Carper Sr and Lottie Mae Lewis on May 27, 1923, in Covington, Virginia.  Hazel graduated from Covington High School in 1941.  She married the late Willis Clement LaRue on February 14, 1948.  After honeymooning in Florida, Hazel and Will decided to relocate to the Sunshine State in the early 50's after living in Rainelle, West Virginia and Portsmouth,Virginia.

Hazel worked at Belk Lindsey (now Belk) in Melbourne as Operations Manager from 1959-1979.  After her retirement from Belk, she volunteered at Palm Bay Hospital and at the Greater Palm Bay Chamber of Commerce.

She was a woman of God and was of the Baptist faith.  Hazel attended the Baptist church in Melbourne and later the Baptist Church in Malabar.  She loved the Lord and loved life to its fullest.  Hazel considered Florida to be "Paradise" and over the years, she enjoyed her pool and going on the boat with her husband, Will.  In the later years, Hazel liked to watch "Turner Classic Movies" with her favorite actor and actresses, Robert Taylor, Deanna Durbin, and Ginger Rogers.

Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Will in June 2011, her siblings, Helen Carper Carr, Walter Carper, Mary Carper Ames, and Harry Carper.

She is survived by her sister, Billie Jeanne Carper Monson of Salt Lake City, Utah and a great niece, Shannon Fuhrman and husband Rick of Covington, Virginia.  She is also survived by  sisters-in-law, Edna Carper of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, and Joan Carper of Summersville, West Virginia.  Additionally, Hazel is survived by many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to the Glenbrooke Community, Gina, Wendy, Maria, Linda, 3rd floor staff, and all of the other staff members at Glenbrooke.  Hazel definitely considered Glenbrooke her home.  Also, thank you to the staff of the William Childs Hospice House for providing such care and comfort in Hazel's final days.

A memorial service will be held virtually on Thursday, February 3, 2022.  The inurnment will be at South Florida National Cemetery, 6501 FL-7, Lake Worth, Florida 33449.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to South Animal Care and Adoption Center - Brevard County, 5100 West Eau Gallie Boulevard, Melbourne, Florida 32934.