Hazel May Vanderbilt

Aberdeen, SD-Private Memorial Service for Hazel May Vanderbilt, 96, of Aberdeen will be 1:00 pm, Monday, October 25, 2021, at Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory. Rev. Gary Compton will officiate. The service will be live streamed and available at www.Carlsenfh.com under Hazel’s obituary.

Inurnment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Redfield.

Hazel died October 18, 2021, at Bethesda Home of Aberdeen.

Hazel May (Mullet) Vanderbilt was born second daughter of four to Harry and Dollie (Minnick) Mullet on March 18, 1925, in Three Rivers Township, Spink County, South Dakota. Hazel went to school in Athol and finished in Redfield, South Dakota. Hazel was united in marriage to Harold (Bud) John Vanderbilt May 3, 1943. Four children were born to this union, Sandra, Dale, Wayne, and Garnet. Sandra (daughters Tammy and Theresa); Dale (wife Sheila, children Tony and Jordan); Wayne; Garnet (husband Connie (Mark) Hahn, child, Linda); three sisters Mary Knispel, Mildred Hughes, and Mabel Burnham and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Hazel and Bud raised their family and farmed outside of Ashton, South Dakota for many years. Over her 96 years Hazel touched many hearts along the way guiding every family member through their lives with great triumph, genuine love, and laughter.

Staying home, being with family, comforting many visitors and her joy for lottery scratch tickets was always an event! Anytime and anyone visiting Hazel regardless of length of notice-Hazel was ready! She loved winning money, receiving packages, Loretta Lynn, Gunsmoke, coconut crème pie, pistachio green jello salad, and Carmel frappes. Family would send her favored foods from all over the country, presents of decoration, jewelry, and fancy clothes she was tickled every time and would call to say joyously, “Thank you” – Then call more family to share her enjoyment with the rest of the family.

Hazel loved to dress up every day and have her favorite clothes on. She is the master of structure, punctuality, accountability, recipes, daily chores, crafts, and sewing. She was beautiful every time you saw her, her jewelry matched and played well with her glowing complexion, and she was serious about complimenting her outfits without a single wrinkle.

Her happiness was in her children, she loved old westerns and hearing music played. Loretta Lynn was a staple in her life, her granddaughter, Tuesday sings and plays beautiful music – she always requested songs be played for her so she could rock in her chair and hum along.

Hazel was a strong woman, now it’s said how beautiful her heart was and all conversations were fruitful. When it came to putting her foot down or using her finger to express a serious opinion, she left you never forgetting and every time she was RIGHT! She seals the deal with being RIGHT without fail!

Hazel had all the connections to the family and knew everything – if there was any follow up family needed about Aberdeen, the weather in any state family resided in, new babies being born, somebody’s birthday, and or near/long distance family updates Hazel had all the details.

In Hazel’s spare time she enjoyed playing cards, crime, and mystery games on Facebook, drinking coffee, and having a sweet snack. She always had the right treat for the right guests! When visitors arrived, it was time to put the coffee pot on and get out the donuts. When she chuckled and had her belly laugh going – Her laugh was so unexpectedly contagious and when you heard it there was full enjoyment in the room leaving the world feeling real again. She loved talking on the phone to all her near and long-distance family members daily and always had the prettiest living space. Her holiday decorations were always on point and her modern style was always admired!

What did not matter to Hazel at all was fault, she was a master at understanding any situation that came before her with instantaneous solutions this is an admirable power, we will all take with us. Her wonderful advice, crafting abilities and recipes were often called upon and made everything work. She is our foundation.

She loved funny stories about the kids and if there was a troubled area, she would have the best way to provide advice that supported their side which made everything better.

It is truly amazing how someone like Hazel used her strength, wisdom, heart, and soul to make a point polishing any encounter. We will always have that from her – a few comments she would say, “No need to be bashful.” “You do what you do and don’t let anyone get in your way.” “You’ll do a great job; I know you can.” “Just get out there and make it happen.” “Don’t let that bother you, let people think the way they want to, and you be you.” “You’re doing good, just keep on going.”

We all love you grandma; you will be missed dearly, and we shall continue to call upon you and keep you in the loop! Thank you for being you, our favorite color is Hazel.

Carlsen Funeral Home and Crematory of Aberdeen has been entrusted with arrangements.

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