Born to Walker and Irean Fitzgibbon, June 13, 1924, in Ashdown, passed away peacefully on Sept. 24, 2012, after a short illness in Long Beach, Calif.

Hazel is predeceased by her parents, husband, Wm. Fearl Beason; her second husband, Rex G. Wheelbarger; son, Steven R. Beason; brother, James W. Fitzgibbon Sr.; sister, M. Elizabeth Grimes; granddaughter, Mary Ann Wheelbarger and grandson, Gene D. Wheelbarger.

She is survived by son, Wm. F. “Bill” (Charlott) Beason, Long Beach, Calif.; stepdaughters, Patty Loy, San Jacinto, Calif., and Pam (John) Pembleton, Perris, Calif.; stepson, Wayne (Kim) Wheelbarger, Hot Springs; sister, Bobbie J. Phillips, of Paso Robles, Calif., and sister-in-law, Evelyn Fitzgibbon, of Vacaville, Calif. Grandchildren include Heather (Dave) Beason, Eric Beason, Pilar (Richard) Payton, Miguel Beason, Hilary Macias, Ktrina (Don) Patton, Gary (Becki) Pembleton, Lisa Pembleton, Jennifer (Michael) Dodge, Jennifer Wheelbarger, Joseph Merino, Trista (Jeremy) Longnecker, Brandon (Krystal) Marvel and Jared “AJ” (Nikki) Marvel, 19 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

After growing up in Little River County, Hazel moved to the Long Beach area in California and worked for No. American Rockwell, until she and husband Rex retired to Bismarck where they owned and operated the Bismarck Stop & Shop.

Eventually, they enjoyed full time retirement by purchasing a beautiful home on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. After the passing of Rex in 2000, Hazel moved to Paso Robles to spend time with sister Bobbie and family. November 2010 found her moving to Long Beach to stay with son, Bill (Char), enabling her to again spend precious time with her grandchildren.

Hazel will be forever remembered for her Godly spirit, her love of breathing new life into old objects, arts and crafts and a love of reading.

Interment is in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Cypress, Calif.

Published: 11/17/2012