Annabel Whitehill

Annabel (Martin) Whitehill was born October 16, 1928 in Reserve, Kansas to Otis Leonard and Mildred Pearl (McKenney) Martin. She grew up in Kansas, and was active as a Sunday School teacher and a room mother at a young age. Annabel married Clark Whitehill in Hiawatha, Kansas in March 1947, and to this union, three children were born: Daniel Martin, Donald Edward, and Denise Lynne. The family made their home in the Benson area of Omaha for many years, until Annabel moved to Blair, Nebraska around 1990. Annabel worked many jobs through the years, spending most of her time in retail sales at Tober’s, Sears, and Morris Men’s Clothing in Omaha. She was a talented seamstress, and enjoyed bowling, playing cards, and exercising. She took on the role of family historian, and even wrote a book about growing up as one of 12 children, called, Padonia Harvest. It was a comedy, of course. Annabel was a fan of both Nebraska and Kansas Football, and loved music, especially opera and Bette Midler’s, “The Rose”. She was known for wearing many pieces of jewelry, even sometimes 2 or 3 watches at once! She loved her family, and cherished the birth of her three children. She was always in attendance for their baseball games and activities, and looked forward to holiday get-togethers, and family reunions. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great grandchildren that were such a big part of her life. Annabel enjoyed the company of others, and was accepting of anyone and everyone. She will be remembered for her constant energy, and love of family and friends. Annabel died on Wednesday, February 12, 2014 at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Blair, Nebraska at the age of 85 years, 3 months, and 27 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Clark, and son Don. Annabel is survived by her son Dan Whitehill of Omaha, daughter and son-in-law Denise and Duane Taylor of Fort Calhoun, Nebraska, 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, brothers Homer Dale Martin and Samuel Martin, sisters Fern Martin and Wilma Brooks, and many nieces and nephews. Annabel Whitehill, age 85, of Blair, NE, died 2/12/14. Preceded in death by husband Clark and son Donald. Survived by son Daniel of Omaha, daughter and son-in-law Denise and Duane Taylor of Ft. Calhoun, 7 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. Private family services will be held at the funeral home in Elkhorn. Inurnment Prospect Hill of Elkhorn. No visitation. Memorials to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Community.

Annabel Whitehill

October 16, 1928 - February 12, 2014