South Dakota’s Oldest Resident
Peaceful Pines Senior Living community in Fort Pierre has the honor of caring for South Dakota’s Centenarian of the Year, Hazel. This title is given to the current oldest member of South Dakota’s Century Club. Any person can join for free on his or her 100th birthday. Hazel’s life is connected to many generations, historical events, unique experiences and famous people. Her grandfather was a prisoner during the Civil War at Andersonville Prison in Georgia. This is a testament to just how closely Hazel’s age links us to significant times.
Hazel’s Local Memories
Born in 1916, Hazel grew up in the aftermath of World War I. She later faced World War II with her fellow citizens, and remembers the news about World War II very well. She and her husband, Art, had a friend that was a prisoner of war, but eventually came home safely.
In 1948, Hazel was on a hill north of Pierre when the first shovel of dirt was thrown in the air at the beginning of the Oahe Dam project. She remembers the excitement of seeing President John F. Kennedy when he dedicated the earth on the dam when it was finished. Before it opened in 1962, Hazel had the chance to walk the tunnels and remembers how spooky it seemed.
President Kennedy wasn’t the only famous person she saw. Once while in Los Angeles visiting family, Hazel saw Cassius Clay across the street. He waved back and wanted to know where she was from. The boxer is better known as Mohammed Ali. On a separate trip to Los Angeles, Hazel and her sister toured a movie studio where Jed Clampet was being filmed. The title character was being played by Buddy Ebsen. Buddy visited with the pair and shared that he had also visited Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Hazel was excited to meet him and said she really enjoyed those “Beverly Hill Billy’s.”
The Countryside & Farm Life
Hazel’s favorite job has consistently been recounted as the farm work she did alongside her husband. The pair would often work cattle and fix fences, and Hazel has attributed the vigorous work as contributing to her longevity. She also cleaned homes and babysat children often, but she always loved being outside the best. In fact, the South Dakota Centenarian still owns their farm today. When Hazel and Art lived in their small house, the countryside was pitch black at night except for the moon. After their house was wired with electricity, they flipped the switch, and the light was so bright! The couple enjoyed the shared realization that their use of kerosene would be no more. The first things they purchased were a fan and a small refrigerator. Hazel remembers that it was not long before everyone had bright yard lights.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
One of the most significant and ongoing traditions in South Dakota history is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The first one was in 1938, and Hazel and Art attended. There were only five bikes that raced on a dirt track, and Hazel remembers choking dust they kicked up. She still loves the roar of motorcycles and the smell of leather. Whenever she attended a Rally, Hazel came home with a T-shirt.
Her last visit to the world-famous Rally was in 2015, when she rode in on the back of her great nephew’s Harley Davidson at 99 years old. Now, at 109 years old, South Dakota has brought the Rally to Hazel. In 2024, her family organized a “Rally for Hazel,” and invited bikers to stop by the Peaceful Pines Senior Living Community in Fort Pierre. A big banner was hung, and souvenir poker chips were made that said, “Never too Old to Ride.” This year, Hazel was surprised with a leather vest with purple wings. She said, “Now it is complete! I had my ride, I can still hear that roar, and now I have my leather.” Hazel looks classy and a little sassy in her leather vest! Her energy and outlook are a reminder that senior living in South Dakota can be an exciting adventure.
In addition to enjoying the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Hazel has been to Las Vegas 16 times! She recalled she got all keyed up when she walked into a casino. The bells would be dinging, and the coins were dropping in the trays. She said she would really like to pull the handle on the one-armed bandits again.
Life at Peaceful Pines Senior Living
While Hazel has always been adventurous, some of Hazel’s fondest memories are closer to home, of the square dances at the Okoboji Hall in Sully County (Near Pierre, SD). It is still standing today, and it is also where she first saw Art, who she misses him most of all. She said that at the square dances there, people would often make mistakes dancing and they would laugh.
That’s why her visits to the Peaceful Pines Salon every Thursday are so consistent; there is quite a bit of laughter. Hazel believes that we need something to laugh about in our lives and that laughing out loud is contagious and someone will join in. Hazel also enjoys her naps, watching Gunsmoke on TV, and getting mail, flowers, and chocolates. Above all though, visiting with family are her favorite times. She is still witty, tells great stories, and makes people laugh. She also mentioned that she can feel a little like a celebrity due to the many interviews she has had being South Dakota’s Centenarian of the Year.
To this day, Hazel has organized the annual Bush family picnic that has brought the generations of her family together for 90 summers. At this year’s family picnic, Hazel boarded a bus with her nieces and nephews to tour the family farms, affectionately named “Bushville.”
Advice From Hazel
Hazel has seen a lot of societal changes in her lifetime. Specifically, she notes that she doesn’t understand why people can’t get along; there is so much trouble in world with drugs, crime, and hate. Growing up, she never locked her doors, and she believes there should be more friendliness, understanding, care, and most of all, love. Life at 109 looks a lot different than it used to, but she offers us connection to South Dakota’s history through her eyes. At Peaceful Pines, we believe that part of excellent care is taking the time to reflect, listen, and learn from the stories our seniors have to share.
Contact Peaceful Pines
To learn more about Peaceful Pines Senior Living in Fort Pierre, and why families looking for senior living in South Dakota trust us for exceptional senior care, please visit our website here. Our team will be happy to schedule a tour or meeting with you or your loved one!
