Annabelle Hale

Annabelle Hale, 85, of Merriman, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.  A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 p.m.MT, Saturday, April 27, 2024, 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 was born September 28, 1938, in Brocksburg, Nebraska to James and Maudie (Swick) Thayer. She received her education at Wood Lake and Merriman, Nebraska.

Annabelle married Harold Nelson and became the proud mother of four daughters. She later met and married Jerry Hale and they resided in Hay Springs. Annabelle discovered a special relationship again when she met companion, Clarence Lacy. The couple remained together for thirteen 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. She also worked at the Merriman Greenhouse for some time.

She was a member of the American Legion and the Merriman Booster Club. Annabelle 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; three 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.