Annabelle Marie Harnish, 96, of Burnips, died Nov. 21, at Green Acres (assisted living) in Wayland.
Born Nov. 17, 1928, to George Elmer and Elizabeth Smith, Annabelle was raised on the Smith family farm in Burnips. She often reminisced about her childhood activities, such as trapping muskrats, fishing in the Rabbit River, and milking cows.
Two of her favorite stories were how she saved her three-legged dog, Buddy, from drowning in the river during one of her trapping excursions and about accidentally trapping a mink.
Annabelle was passionate about gardening, known for her beautiful flower beds and immaculate lawn. She found great joy while “digging in the dirt.” She was an excellent cook and homemaker, deeply devoted to her family.
Annabelle is survived by her daughter, Brenda (Bub) Brainard; and sons Jim (Karen) Bala and Ron (Tina) Bala. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren Jamie (Michael Pavlak) Bala, Dan (Jayde) Bala, Kelly (Brody) Conway, Whitney (Brainard) and Grant Ringerwole, Aaron (Brittany Pickard) Brainard, Cody (Katie) Brainard, Jeff, Jacob, and Joe Bala.
She is also survived by two great-grandchildren Maple Fey Conway and Frank Brainard. Her stepchildren Christine (Boyd) Navis, Larry (Lisa) Harnish, Steve (Jenett) Harnish, Mary Harnish, and Jane (Dan) Taylor, sister-in-law, Colleen (Dene) Smith; several step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers; two sisters; husbands Chet Bala and Louis Harnish; daughter, Diane (Bala) King; and son-in-law, Terry King.
Visitation will be between 4 and 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home in Dorr, with a Rosary service commencing at 4 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Dorr. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice or St. Stanislaus Catholic Church or School.
