Hazel Bennett

Hazel Fay Bennett, 91, of Austin, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2025, at Hampton Oaks in Scottsburg, Indiana.

She was born on March 26, 1934, in Canaan, West Virginia, the daughter of the late Sanford Chidester and Viola Mae (Collins) Chidester. On July 3, 1952, Hazel married the love of her life, Vernon Clair Bennett, in West Virginia. They shared many years together before his passing.

Hazel was a longtime member of Austin Christian Church where she was active in the Prime Timers group. She dedicated 50 years of her career to Scott Memorial Hospital, serving as both a ward clerk and X-ray scheduler.

Known for her feisty yet loving personality, Hazel was independent and comforting to those around her. She faithfully began every morning with two cups of coffee, enjoyed the shrimp egg rolls her daughter prepared, and had a gift for hospitality, welcoming everyone into her home. She loved her cats dearly, cherished playing euchre with friends at the Senior Citizen center, and spent countless hours mowing her yard and working outside.

Survivors include her children, Debra (Michael) Selke of Scottsburg, IN, and Michael V. Bennett of Austin, IN; and one brother, Basil (Sue) Chidester of Rock Cave, WV.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Theodore, Hartzel, Gene, and Jerrel Chidester, Gladys Campbell, Mildred Scott, and Shirley Powers; her granddaughter, Gina Bridgewater; and her husband, Vernon Clair Bennett.

Pastor Dave Huey will conduct funeral services at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Adams Family Funeral Homes & Crematory in Scottsburg, with burial to follow at Wesley Chapel. Family and friends may visit from 11:00 AM until the time of service, all at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made in Hazel's memory to the Scott County Humane Society.