Graveside memorial services for 85-year old Annabelle Hale of Merriman, NE, are Sat, April 27, 2024 at 2:00 at the Merriman Memorial Cemetery with Brett and Diane Burress officiating.
Cremation has taken place in accordance with Annabelle’s wishes.
Online condolences may be made by visiting Annabelle’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.
Annabelle Hale was born September 28, 1938, in Brocksburg, NE, to James and Maudie (Swick) Thayer. She passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, NE.
Annabelle received her education at Wood Lake, NE, and Merriman. She married Harold Nelson and became the proud mother of four daughters.
Annabelle later met and married Jerry Hale and they resided in Hay Springs, NE. Annabelle discovered a special relationship again when she met Clarence Lacy, and they remained together for 13 years until Clarence’s passing. Years later, she met and married Gailund Valentine. They made their home together in Merriman and Annabelle added two stepchildren to her life.
Annabelle waitressed throughout the years and was a friendly face at restaurants such as the Range Café in Bassett. She owned and operated the Sand Café in Merriman, and also worked at the Merriman Greenhouse for some time.
Annabelle was a member of the American Legion and the Merriman Booster Club. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, doing crossword puzzles, and playing marbles with her daughter, Loretta, every morning. She and Gailund also liked to go dancing when they could.
Ann will be remembered for her unwavering love, her gentle spirit, and her bountiful compassion. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and her legacy of love will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Survivors include her husband Gailund Valentine; daughters Cinda (Earl) Olberding, Brenda Nelson (Carl Novotony), Peggy (Steve) Graham, and Loretta Fish (Matt Ford); stepson Kevin (Trish) Valentine; stepdaughter Tonya Valentine; sister Karen Holeman; brother-in-law Leo Nelson; sister-in-law Phyllis Nelson; 22 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; along with other extended family members and friends.
Annabelle was preceded in death by her parents James and Maudie Thayer; brothers Fred, LaVern, and Lester Thayer; sister Lila Nelson; husbands Harold Nelson and Jerry Hale; and special friend Clarence Lacy.
Reverence Funeral Parlor in Scottsbluff, NE, is in charge of arrangements for Annabelle Hale.