Annabelle Larabee

For 87 years, Annabelle Larabee lived a full life of adventure surrounded by the love of family and many friends. She was a hard worker, and could prove to be a little feisty at times, too with her strong spirited nature and stubborn demeanor. But in all ways, family was at the center of Annabelles heart. She loved family gatherings and enjoyed being a grandmother more than anything. She leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of many and will be fondly missed. Marked by a time of prosperity in America, the Roaring Twenties emerged as a decade of economic prosperity rich with optimism and innovation. The stock market soared and people everywhere were brimming with hope. By 1927, tunes such as Gershwins Strike Up the Band and Old Man River brought excitement to the air. Yet nestled along the Sangamon River in Springfield, Illinois, John and Dorothy (Paine) Neil had some exciting news of their own on October 26, 1927 when they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Annabelle into their arms. The firstborn of eventually three daughters, Annabelle was joined in 1931 by her younger sister, Edna Mae, and later, her sister Jacqueline completed their family in 1942. To support his household, Annabelles father worked as a machine repairman while her mother looked after their household and for a time worked at Federal Department Store. From her earliest beginnings, the importance of family was a priority in Annabelles life. Each Sunday her family gathered for dinner and cherished these times together. At an early age, Annabelle and her family moved from Springfield to Michigan where Annabelle attended the East Detroit Schools. Although the Great Depression created financial havoc from coast to coast, Annabelle enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation. As a family they loved going on vacations to visit family in Springfield, and later, visiting amusement parks and taking in a picnic on warm summer days brought Annabelle the greatest joy. She enjoyed school and a friend of many, she excelled in her studies. She also had a great memory which continued throughout her days. Annabelle attended East Detroit High School and went on to complete her education by way of correspondence courses. Annabelle met her husband, Rex Larabee while on a date with his brother in Kalkaska, Michigan. Even though she only dated his brother that one time, for years it became a standing joke in the family. She and Rex began dating and before long they fell deeply in love. Happily married on November 30, 1946, they began their new lives together as husband and wife in Detroit. In time they began a family of their own with the birth of Harry in 1947, followed by Denny in 1948. In 1950 Randy came along, and Judy was born in 1951. Their daughter Kathy completed their family in 1958, the same year they moved across the state to the lakeshore city of Muskegon. The Muskegon area offered good work opportunities at the time and it also offered Annabelle and her family much recreation. Raised with a heart for family, Annabelle continued the tradition of setting aside special family time together with her own children. She very much loved having her family gather for Sunday dinners after church and when the children were young they all enjoyed traveling to Kalkaska, Detroit, and Springfield, Illinois to visit relatives. Annabelle always made sure the holidays were special which created fond memories for all. She absolutely loved any occasion for big family dinners where together they spent good, quality time as a family playing games and enjoying one anothers company. Annabelle liked all types of games and especially loved traveling. She was an avid reader, and liked delving into their genealogy. She was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Annabelle enjoyed volunteering and served as a school safety patrol guard, and also sold Queensway clothing before working at the Yankee Department Store. When her children grew older, Annabelle began working at MESC, the Michigan Employment Security Commission. Her sometimes tough and stubborn exterior was evident at times in her work, but right along with her solid work ethic. A very hard worker, she continued working for the MESC office until her eventual retirement. Following their retirement, Annabelle and Rex enjoyed traveling, spending time up north and time spent with family making endless memories. Her family will never forget the time Annabelle came out of the outhouse running with her pants down due to a mouse in the out house! When grandchildren came along, Annabelle was overjoyed. She loved every opportunity to be with them and family togetherness continued. Together they loved playing all sorts of games such as board games, cards, and they even played video games such as Rock Band where Annabelle would join in the fun singing hard rock songs. Through her many friendships, Annabelle kept busy and enjoyed spending time with friends. Although she very well had her share of opinions, Annabelle liked a good discussion about life and politics. It sometimes riled up her feisty nature, but Annabelle always stood her ground in her beliefs. It proved to be a difficult time for Annabelle and her family when her son, Randy passed away followed by the death of her beloved husband, Rex in 2006. Through the love and support of family and friends, Annabelle made it through these days. Through the years Annabelle carried on in life, enjoying her family immensely. She loved planning family get-togethers, and with ways all her own, she treasured every moment life had to offer. Dearly loved and missed, Annabelle will be forever remembered by those who came to know and love her. Mrs. Annabelle Larabee, age 87, passed away Friday, September 18, 2015. SURVIVORS: Sons, Harry (Vonda) Larabee of Twin Lake, Denny (Galyna) Larabee of Muskegon; daughters, Judy (Eloy Martinez) Larabee of Muskegon, Kathy (Larry) Doctor of Twin Lake; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; her sisters, Jacqueline Neil, Edna Mae Thieme; many nieces, nephews and cousins. Annabelle was preceded in death by her parents; husband Rex in 2006; son, Randy Larabee; and grandchild, Kelly Jennings. SERVICE: Monday, September 21, 2015, 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Rev. William Uetricht officiating. Interment in East Dalton Oakhill Cemetery. VISITATION: Sunday, September 20, 2015, 3-7 PM at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. MEMORIAL: First Evangelical Lutheran Church or Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory of Annabelle and to sign her online guest book. Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon.