Hazel Ruth Swindall Carico

Hazel Ruth Swindall Carico passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024 at her residence. She was born on August 14, 1922 in Norland, Virginia, daughter of the late Thomas Calvin and Julia Davis Swindall. Her brothers were Curtis and Clyde Swindall, and her sisters were Joella Nelson and Olive Puckett Mays; all have preceded her in death. Hazel married Lloyd Alden Carico, and he preceded her in death in 1998. She is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Hazel was an educator, having taught twenty years in Virginia and ten years in Gallia County, Ohio. She received an Outstanding Educator in Southeastern Ohio award in 1975. During her teaching career, she taught home ec, physical education, chemistry, and science, working with both elementary and high school students. She finished her teaching career at Washington Elementary and G.A.H.S Middle School. She was a wonderful mentor to beginning teachers and a valued colleague to her teaching peers.

Hazel was a dedicated student of the Bible, reading every day and making it a Light unto her path. When Alden felt called to preach, she became a dedicated pastor’s wife. Alden and she were truly a light unto the community where they lived.

When Alden began to farm, Hazel embraced being a farmer’s wife and one year won an Outstanding Farm Wife award.

Hazel loved to travel. Not only did she travel throughout the United States, but she also went to France once with a high school group. Her husband used to say “there is not a thing that a gallon of gas cannot cure Hazel of.”

Hazel maintained her independence through 99 years but then began to experience physical limitations that required her to have caregivers for the next several years. She loved each one and was a true friend to each and a tremendous inspiration to all of us as we marveled at her strength and determination.

Hazel’s greatest gift to all of us was the Gift of Friendship. When asked what wisdom she would pass on to others, she said, “Love and serve the Lord with all your heart for it is in Him whom we trust!” She gave thanks each day for the blessings she received, and she truly was a blessing to each of us.

Services will be held at Willis Funeral Home on Monday, February 19, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with calling hours one hour prior to the service.  Pastor James Chapman and Pastor Junior Preston will be officiating.  Burial will be at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens immediately following the service.  Pallbearers will be Joe Hubble, Mike Riddle, Mike Stout, Aaron Saunders, Mike Stutes, and Bob Brockman; honorary pallbearers will be Don Gibson and Jim Oiler.

The family would like to request in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Hazel Carico Scholarship Fund at Ohio Valley Bank to be given to local students pursuing their education.