Hazel Hill was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, on September 19, 1935, and passed away at her home in Valdez, Alaska, on January 2, 2025, surrounded by family. She moved to Valdez in August 1973 to work alongside her brother Pete at the Totem Inn, where she quickly became a beloved figure in the community. Hazel dished out advice along with coffee, eggs, and slow-cooked oatmeal, offering warmth and wisdom, and the occasional side-eye to those in need of straight talk. She also became a surrogate grandmother, including many snowboarding strays, always encouraging them “Go for it, but be careful, for goodness’ sake!”
Over the years, Hazel’s car could be heard sliding around to the back of the Totem in the early AM hours as she had the keys to open. Hazel and the moose survived three serious fires at the Totem Inn before she retired after 38 years of service.
Hazel loved Valdez, made sure everyone knew it and was deeply involved in the community. She played softball and racquetball, contributed her time to Gold Rush events, and never missed a local sports event – whether or not her own kids or grandkids were playing. If there was a game happening, Hazel was front and center, cheering from the stands. Her commitment to the town and its people earned her the title of Valdez Gold Rush Queen and Mother of the Year through the Eagles in 1986.
Recognizing her lifelong dedication to Valdez, the Twentieth Alaska State Legislature honored Hazel as a “Pillar of the Community” for her warm smile and unwavering commitment to local events and civic engagement.
A passionate reader, Hazel instilled a love of books in her grandchildren, spending countless hours reading to them. She also championed literacy beyond her family, advocating for education within the community. As a member of the finance committee, she fought tirelessly to secure a reading teacher for George Gilson Junior High School—a mission she accomplished twenty years ago, ensuring that children in Valdez had continued access to quality reading education. Thanks to her efforts, that school has had a dedicated reading teacher ever since.
Hazel is survived by her daughters Debra Chesser, Glenna Hill, Dana McAlpine (Stephen), and Nanci Hill; her sons Fred Hill (Tammy) and Randy Hill; her grandchildren Kandi Stewart (Danny), Krisi Campbell (Jeramy), Britni Hill, Colbi Johns, Mikaela Morse (Will), Kassi Hill, Janice Case, and Jake Case; and eleven great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Patricia Goebel (Rollie) and many nieces
and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Pete Williams and Val Williams, her sister Peggy Pruitt, and her grandchildren Jennifer Irish and Sean McAlpine.
A celebration of Hazel’s life will be held on May 27, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm at the Civic Center in Valdez, Alaska.