Hazel Wanell "Nell" Williams Luper, a beacon of warmth and wit, gracefully departed to heaven on April 27, 2024 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that will be remembered by those fortunate enough to know her. Born on December 17, 1937, in Hale County, Texas. Nell was known for her sassiness and compassionate loving heart, a unique combination that endeared her to all. She had an infectious laugh and smile, with a great sense of humor.
One of 8 children to S.W. and Lola Williams, Nell was raised in Hale Center and Plainview Texas. She attended Plainview High School and also worked as an elevator operator at the Plainview Hilton Hotel. Fate intervened one evening as she and a coworker rode the city bus home. She met her coworker’s brother, and future husband, the bus driver, Mack. As Daddy later described it, “I thought she was pretty cute, so I asked her out on a date”. The rest is history. She married Michael “Mack” Luper in June of 1956 and moved to Arizona.
Being a young wife away from her own family and friends, on a newlywed budget, she learned early that working hard and being creative was the key to accomplish the things she wanted. Not only was she blessed to gain 7 additional brothers and sisters (Mack’s siblings) and their spouses, she was blessed to have found the absolute best mentor and friend in her mother-in-law, Maggie Luper. She loved her deeply and always said that “Miss Luper” (the respectful and affectionate name she called her) took over raising her, where her own mother, Lola, had left off. She learned to be very innovative, coming up with DIY solutions to overcome challenges she faced. She was very creative and had the imagination of a dreamer/engineer, with the ability to sew, paint, decorate and construct things we needed. We have been saying for years that she was the original Pinterest.
She and Mack modeled a wonderful marriage of love, respect and partnership. They presented a united front in their parenting, which gave us an amazing sense of security in our home and family. We always knew they had our back. I believe we have our grandmother Maggie to thank that they were way ahead of their time for raising girls to be independent and free-thinking women, saying constantly “a woman can do anything a man can do, if that’s your dream, do it”. Free to Be You and Me could have been the soundtrack to our youth. They wanted us to build our lives on our own dreams. Nell worked briefly at Motorola in the 1960’s then she and Mack owned an appliance store for more than thirty years. After they closed their business when Mack retired, she went to work for the Arizona State Capital and fully retired in 2004. Every year of our youth they planned at least one road trip family vacation, traveling around the US in one of our camp trailers, staying in KOA, State or National Park campgrounds, we explored our beautiful country and learned about history and nature. Oftentimes our aunts, uncles and cousins from both sides of the family would join us, or meet us at our destination. This allowed them to enjoy time with their siblings, and us to spend quality time with our cousins. We all look back on these vacations with fond memories and gratitude. Being from a small Texas town, both sides of their respective families knew each other. Consequently, after their marriage the families blended well, which made for fantastic and crowded holidays growing up. Imagine tables spread with delicious homemade comfort foods from all of the families, with extra tables set up with mismatched chairs, so there was a seat and a plate for everyone. We learned in childhood that there can always room at every table.
Beyond her roles as a daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend, She was a pillar of strength and support for her family and friends. Her home was always a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality. The door was always open if you were there for a meal, a visit, or even if you needed a place to stay. Every visitor was joyfully greeted with open arms and a welcoming smile. The promise of a good visit with laughter and sweet tea was sure to follow. It was always an exciting time when we learned our grandmother was coming to stay or our cousins were coming to town. Nell was a fun and loving person who cared for everyone she could with boundless generosity, often rolling up her sleeves to contribute time and elbow grease to help someone in need, whether that looked like help cleaning a house or yard, making meals, running errands, trimming your hair, a new dress or a quilt/blanket for a little one she loved. We are grateful that we got a front row seat of what love looks like through actions, not just words.
Nell had two speeds, moving and asleep, she was always in motion, a trait she has definitely passed on to several family members. This personality trait made her forced transition to the “taking it easy” phase of life difficult for her. Her mind never stopped moving, even though her little body just couldn’t keep up any longer. Over the past few years while she was homebound, she loved receiving visitors who shared their stories of their lives with her, showing her photos or projects they were working on, bringing her foods to sample and even flowers or plants to enjoy. These visits were so special to all of us because they allowed her to continue to live and enjoy life vicariously through all of ours. Even in her final years when she was severely limited by her body, she never complained about her circumstances or ailments and always had a smile on her face, eager to visit with and fully enjoy whoever came to see her. There are not adequate words to describe our gratitude to Hospice of the West and their entire team. Her nurse, Dorina, social worker Ian and Chaplain Paul became a regular visitors to fulfill any physical, procedural and spiritual guidance she needed. Dorina, and the other nurses, patiently and lovingly guided her, and all of us through the process. Ian kept us all squared away with medicare and insurance. Chaplain Paul would pray with her and gift her with his beautiful voice, singing hymns for her, which she thoroughly enjoyed.
A lifelong reader, she shifted to audible books about 7 years ago and had 6 different kindle devices, each holding the kindle and audible book libraries of her daughters and grandkids and whatever ebooks the Glendale, Sun City and Peoria Libraries offered. Each week Mickey, Taylor and Elizabeth would reload her tablets with new music and books to enjoy. She listened to hundreds of books the past few years. She loved murder mystery books and sometimes we would hear her gasp from inside her room and run in to see if she was ok, only to have her tell us “the murderer was hiding in the closet!!” She loved to watch HGTV shows, watching the stuff of her dreams earlier in life come alive before her eyes. Ben Napier, from Home Town and Keith & Evan from Bargain Block were her favorites. She also loved her hand-held poker game, word puzzle books and the nightly Wordle game she and Elizabeth would play. She did painting and craft activities to the very end. She kept her mind alive and always had something interesting to talk about.
Nell is survived by her loving daughters, Mickey Luper Piper, Vicky "Diane" Luper Cupp, Paula Luper Coombs and her husband Brent, who were not just her children but also her closest confidantes and companions in life. Over the years in addition to the normal holidays, there were frequent “girls day” lunches to allow us time to connect and enjoy each other while discussing our lives. Almost any “occasion” could be cause to celebrate in her world and she always loved to see the decorations we changed out for the event and the activities we had planned for the day. The last two years we were able to enjoy group lunches several times a week.
Nell’s grandchildren were the joy of her life. It was one of the happiest days of her life when she became “Nana Nell”. Throughout their young grandchildren’s lives, she and Mack were caregivers to all seven of their grandchildren, while their daughters worked. This was a blessing beyond measure to both grandchild and daughter, as each grandchild got to spend priceless time with both of them and each child now carries pieces of their grandparents with them in their daily lives and in the individual personalities. Nothing pleases us more than seeing our children doing something that we know they learned from their Nana or Papa. The beloved grandchildren Nell leaves behind are Elizabeth Adams, Cody Adams, Michael Piper, Taylor Coombs McCullough (Ryan), Alex Piper, Joshua Coombs and Maggie Cupp. Nell's love, pride and joy knew no bounds when it came to her grandchildren, and she delighted in showering them with unconditional love, encouragement, affection and special treats.
She leaves behind her cherished sisters, Betty Tiffee, Tootsie Kimberling, and Carolyn Harral as well as her bonus siblings, Dorothy Flowers, James Luper and Wanda Luper. She shared countless memories and bonds with them that transcend time.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Mack, her parents S.W and Lola, her mother-in-law Maggie Luper, her brothers Jack and Bob, sisters Anita and Geraldine, her bonus siblings Major, Ruth, Flossie and Doris. We can only imagine the glorious homecoming she experienced early Saturday morning when Jesus called her home.
As we mourn the loss of Nell, we take comfort in the countless memories she leaves behind and the lessons she imparted through her kindness, resilience, and unwavering faith. She described her own life as a series of blessings upon blessings. She was grateful to be able to recognize and appreciate that she had such a long and full life, and was leaving with such happy memories. Though she may no longer be with us in person, her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have been touched by her love.
In honoring Nell's memory, let us carry forward her legacy of compassion, laughter, and unconditional love, ensuring that her light continues to shine brightly in our lives and in the world around us. Rest in peace, dear Nell, knowing that you are cherished beyond measure and that your spirit will forever guide and inspire us.
Per her wishes, a small graveside service will be held in Glendale, AZ. She requested that in lieu of flowers or gifts that people instead treat themselves, or someone they love, to something special, as a reminder to savor every moment of life.
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