Annabel (Martin) Whitehill, 85, of Blair, died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Community in Blair.

The family will have a private service at Reichmuth Funeral Home in Elkhorn. Inurnment will be in Prospect Hill at Elkhorn. There is no visitation.

Annabel Martin was born Oct. 16, 1928, in Reserve, Kan., 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.

She married Clark Whitehill in Hiawatha, Kan., 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 she moved to Blair around 1990. She 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.

Mrs. Whitehill was a fan of both Nebraska and Kansas football. She loved music, especially opera, and Bette Midler’s “The Rose."

She was known for wearing many pieces of jewelry, even sometimes two or three watches at once. She loved her family, and cherished the birth of her three children. She always attended 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 who were such a big part of her life. She 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.

She is survived by her son, Dan Whitehill of Omaha; daughter and son-in-law Denise and Duane Taylor of Fort Calhoun; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers: Homer Dale Martin and Samuel Martin; sisters: Fern Martin and Wilma Brooks; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clark; and son Don.

Memorials may be directed to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Community. www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com

Published in Omaha World-Herald from Feb. 16 to Feb. 21, 2014

Whitehill, Annabel

Age 85

Blair, NE. Died February 12, 2014. 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. Condolences to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com

REICHMUTH FUNERAL HOMES 21901 West Maple 402-289-2222

~~~ Obituary courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska.~~~