Hazel Laverne Harper of Louisville, Illinois, dies at 90; longtime factory worker and church volunteer

Death reported in Louisville, Illinois

Hazel Laverne Harper, 90, of Louisville, Illinois, died at 12:07 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Her family announced funeral arrangements through McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville.

Early life and marriage

Harper was born Dec. 18, 1935, in Clay County, Illinois, to Paul and Mabel (Conley) O’Dell. She married Donald E. Harper on Nov. 13, 1954, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The couple shared 71 years of marriage.

Work history across area employers

Harper spent much of her working life in manufacturing, holding positions at multiple area factories over the years. Her employment included work at the International Shoe Factory in Flora, Spartans Manufacturing in Flora, and Fedders in Effingham. She later worked at HELLA in Flora, where she completed her career after 25 years of service.

Church and community involvement

Harper was a member of Louisville Methodist Church and participated in mission work through the congregation. Family members said this commitment was a central part of her life in Louisville.

Family and survivors

She is survived by her husband, Don Harper of Louisville, and five children: Rick (Ginger) Harper of Noble; Monica (Brent) Bailey of Louisville; Rusty (Lori) Harper of Marion, Illinois; Tracy (Joyce) Harper of Flora; and Nathan (Daryla) Harper of Olney. The family also reported 15 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Harper was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Paula Harper; and siblings Bob O’Dell, Marge Bailey, and Mary Childers.

Services and memorials

• A private family funeral service is planned at McGriff Funeral Home in Louisville.
• Burial will follow at Orchard Hill Cemetery in Louisville.
• Memorial donations may be made to Louisville Methodist Church and mailed to the funeral home.

Harper’s life reflected long-term ties to Clay County and surrounding communities through work, church involvement, and family, as described in the service announcement.