Hazel Ilene "Granny Hazel" Gabbert

Hazel Ilene Gabbert, "Granny Hazel"
October 10, 1930 – February 6, 2026

Hazel Ilene Gabbert, known as "Granny Hazel," was a faithful servant of the Lord, a devoted mother, and a beloved matriarch whose life was deeply rooted in her love for Jesus Christ. A devout Christian, Hazel lived her life guided by prayer, humility, and unwavering trust in God's promises. Her faith was evident in the way she loved, served, and cared for her family and all those around her.

Hazel entered her heavenly home at Braxton Healthcare Center on Friday, February 6, 2026, with her loving son by her side. She was preceded in death by her son, Colin Gerwig, and her parents, Erlow Baker and Zelda Hacker Baker. She is survived by three children: son, Roger Gerwig, and his wife, Jo, of Gassaway, West Virginia; daughter, Regina Perry of Burghill, Ohio, whose husband, Bruce, preceded her in death; and daughter, Kathy Gift and her husband, Tim, of Oakland, Maryland. Hazel poured her love, faith, and wisdom into each of her children, leaving them a legacy grounded in Christ.

Family was one of God's greatest blessings in Hazel's life. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Doug Gerwig and his wife, Mandi, of Craigsville, West Virginia; Christine Blackford and her husband, Jeremey, of River Falls, Wisconsin; Carolyn Prall and her husband, Doug, of Pleasant Hills, Iowa; Matthew Perry of Burghill, Ohio; Colin Wine and his wife, Alexa, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Shanna Wine of Hacker Valley, West Virginia; and Dusty Wine of Flatwoods, West Virginia.

Hazel was also blessed with a growing legacy of great-grandchildren, including Madisyn and Ellie Gerwig; Micha Hindt and his wife, Abby, parents of her cherished great-great-grandchild, Wrenlee, of North Branch, Minnesota; Caleb Hindt of Champlain, Minnesota; Joshua Hindt (MN Army National Guard, E-4 Specialist) of North Branch, Minnesota; Jacob Blackford of River Falls, Wisconsin; Nash Wine of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Gabriel and Alex Fisher of Hacker Valley, West Virginia; Xena Wine of Flatwoods, West Virginia; and Alex and Bella Prall of Pleasant Hills, Iowa. Each generation brought her profound joy, and she faithfully lifted every name to the Lord in prayer.

Hazel enjoyed many hobbies that brought beauty and joy to her life. She loved sewing, quilting, and embroidery, often creating cherished keepsakes for family and friends. She delighted in baking and sharing her delicious treats with loved ones. Hazel especially treasured playing cards with her great-granddaughters, Madisyn and Ellie-moments filled with laughter, love, and lasting memories.

A special thanks is extended to Lisa Flowers, Hazel's devoted caregiver for the past few years, whose compassion, patience, and loving attention brought comfort and dignity to Hazel's final years. Her family is deeply grateful for Lisa's faithful care and kindness.

Hazel will be remembered for her gentle spirit, steadfast faith, and quiet strength. She lived her life as a testimony to God's grace, showing kindness, compassion, and love to all, she met. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she has been welcomed home into the presence of her Savior, reunited with loved ones, and now rests in eternal peace.

Services and Arrangements:

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Old German Community Church on Chapel Road, with Pastor Rick Hart and Preacher Mark Secrist officiating. Visitation will be held for two hours before the service at the church. Burial will follow at the Karichoff Cemetery, Chapel, West Virginia. Arrangements are under the care of Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, West Virginia.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
- 2 Timothy 4:7 (KJV)