Hazel V. Pardue

Hazel V. Pardue passed away, surrounded by family, on April 30, 2014 at Landsun Homes in Carlsbad, NM. She was 91 years old. Hazel was born at home on July 17, 1922, in Medford, OK, to Frederick and Ima Stockton. Her father was a preacher, and during Hazels childhood the family moved to nine communities, primarily in Oklahoma and Colorado. Of her childhood she wrote, ". . .although our family had little material wealth and little emphasis was placed on material things we did have great riches. . .Christ, love, health, family, friends, and an overpowering purpose in life." Her family would agree these riches remained most important to Hazel, more than any material gain, throughout her entire life. Hazel was studying at Pasadena College when she met her husband-to-be, Bruce Pardue. They married on February 4, 1943 and had been married for 69 years when he passed away in 2012. The Pardues made their home in Loving, N.M. in 1945, moved to Carlsbad in 1981, and remained in this community throughout the rest of their lifetime. As a young woman, Hazel worked as a nurses aide, a librarian, and a retail clerk. After marriage she served her family and community as a supportive wife, homemaker, mother of five, and caregiver. Bruce and Hazel were devoted to one another, cherished their children, and delighted in their numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who, in turn, adored their Granny and GG (Granny Great) and her family-famous fruit slush drink. Always one to enjoy the written word, she took pleasure in writing family histories. In Shady Green Pastures told stories about her life as a "preachers kid," and A Great Adventure was written about her husband Bruce, herself, and their five children, recounting stories and adventures they shared together when the children were young. She also compiled a book of poetry called, A Word Fitly Spoken, and family booklets for reunions. Friends and family often recount quips or quotes Hazel readily had in her mind and on her tongue including Scripture, poetry, and common proverbs such as "Many hands make light work." Hazels faith in God, and her church, were a vital aspect of her life, marriage, and family. She was an involved member of the Carlsbad First Church of the Nazarene for almost 69 years. She often taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School classes. Hazel and Bruce were well respected in the church, and the community, and known for their involvement, kindness, and generosity. Hazel is survived by her son, Jerald Pardue and wife, Debby of Artesia; daughter Kathyrn Van Soest and husband, Marvin of Carlsbad; son, Larry Pardue of Carlsbad; daughter, Suzanne Boerio and husband, Edward of Roswell; son-in-law, Howard Ours of Colorado Springs, CO; 10 grandchildren and 13 (with another on the way!) great- grandchildren; brother, Grant Stockton of McMinnville, OR; brother-in-law, Kenneth Potter of Colorado Springs, CO; and brother-in-law, Charles Bennett of Rainier, WA. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce D. Pardue; daughter, Patricia Ours; parents, Frederick and Ima Stockton; sisters Fern Bennett, Gladys Stockton, Wilma Potter, and Wanda Bennett. A private viewing and graveside service will be held for the family. A Memorial service honoring Hazels life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2014 at First Church of the Nazarene in Carlsbad. Officiating will be the churchs pastor, Rev. Dean Coonradt, assisted by one of Hazels grandsons, Charlie Lyons-Pardue. Hazels granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law will serve as honorary pallbearers: Tiffani Boerio, Mindy Hansen, Sara Coronado, Amy Ours, Delaina Van Soest, Andrea Van Soest, Krista Ours, Kara Lyons-Pardue, and Brittany Van Soest. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to Jonahs House Food Pantry through the Carlsbad Foundation, 114 S. Canyon St., Carlsbad, NM 88220; Bonita Park Camp and Conference Center, Bonita Park HC71 Box 1159 Capitan, NM 88316; or the charity of your choice. The family would like to express gratitude to the caregivers, nurses, CNAs, and other associated staff of Landsun Homes Manor, Landsun Homes Health Service Center, and Landsun Homes Hospice who provided excellent care for Hazel over the past several years. Hazel paraphrased these song lyrics to express her expectation of death and hope in the resurrection life: "I feel safe in life or death, for around and underneath. . .are the mighty, everlasting arms." Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com