Hazel Pauline Loafman Frost, 99, of Greenville, Illinois, died peacefully on April 11, 2026, at Greenville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, having been surrounded by her family.
Hazel was born in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on March 30, 1927, to Henry and Lydia Belle (Easton) Loafman. She grew up on a beautiful farm outside Bowling Green, KY, with her three brothers.
After completing the eighth grade, Hazel went to work full-time at Union Underwear Company in Bowling Green (now Fruit of the Loom world headquarters). Women were encouraged to go to work to support the war effort, and as a young girl, Hazel did that. The Derby, as it was always referred to locally, had just opened and began making garments for WWII soldiers. Hazel was proud of her work there and she always spoke fondly of her ten years sewing at The Derby. Though she never completed her formal education, Hazel was a wise and well-read woman. Hazel valued education and spoke with pride of the many bachelor’s degrees, ten master’s degrees, and two PhDs earned by her children and grandchildren, and their spouses.
On May 16, 1952, Hazel married Willard Wayne Frost. Together, the Frosts served their Lord and Savior in ministry in the Free Methodist Church with the congregations of Cassidy & Mt. Zion in Warren County, KY; Smyrna, TN; Bingham and Flat Rock, IL; Irving, KY; Nashville, TN; Bowling Green, KY; and the Illinois communities of Taylorville, Shelbyville, Normal, Springfield, Vandalia, and Salem.
Upon retirement in 1997, Willard and Hazel moved to Greenville, IL, where they attended the Greenville Free Methodist Church. Hazel held the distinction of being the oldest living member of the church.
Hazel was an avid reader. For decades, she logged the books she read and regularly exceeded 300 titles per year. Hazel was a lovely homemaker with an always spotless home. Hazel grew beautiful flowers outdoors and house plants indoors. Her cooking was delicious, always three meals a day. Her fried chicken, deviled eggs, and coconut pie were popular at potlucks, and she always returned home with empty plates. Amongst her family, her strawberry salad and butterscotch pie were the most beloved dishes. Hazel sewed beautifully, as well, making her own clothes for many years. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, regularly having one in process in the dining room. And she loved birds, all birds. She collected them, read about them, and always fed the real ones. Most of all, Hazel loved the Lord and she loved her family dearly.
Hazel was preceded in death by Willard, her loving husband of over 73 years. Their home goings, in the very same room, were separated by just 85 days. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, David William Loafman and James Robert Loafman.
Hazel is survived by her younger brother, Bobbie Ray Loafman, of Nashville, Tennessee. She is survived by her three children and their spouses: David Frost (Mary Jane) of Charleston, IL, Phillip Frost (Violet) of Baton Rouge, LA, and Martha (Marty) Beans (Richard) of Greenville, IL, and eight grandchildren: Sarah Forbes (David) of Marshall, IL, Emily (Emma) Radosevich (Joseph) of Manchester, IL, Brooke Frost of Baton Rouge, LA, Adam Frost of Houston, TX, Owen Beans (Ally) of Dallas, TX, Oliver Beans (Emily) of Youngstown, OH, Hollyn Beans (Alex Freeman) of New York City, NY, and Noelle Beans of New York City, NY. She also leaves 10 great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Micah, Jakob, Sophie, Oskar, Ivy Jo, and Marilla Radosevich, and Simon, Vivian, and Martin Beans, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends on Saturday, April 25, from 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m., for a visitation at Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home, 203 W. Oak St., Greenville, IL. A family service and interment in Mt. Auburn Cemetery will follow. Memorials may be made to the Greenville Free Methodist Church.
