Passed Away On: 2017-11-12 00:00:00
Beloved mother, devoted friend and artist, Annabel Jones, passed from this world Sunday morning, Nov. 11, 2017 in Hollister, CA. Those who knew her will never find another loving spirit quite like her. People were her passion. As a member of the Chautauqua Hall Dance Club, she spent nearly every Saturday night for 30 years at the Chautauqua Hall in Pacific Grove, CA. Annabel loved getting to know ballroom dancers, young and old alike. When dancing became difficult for her, she carried on by becoming the unofficial hostess. She would keep notes on her favorite dancers so she could remember important details of their lives. Many will remember the delicious baked items she would provide each week.
In addition to dancing, Annabel enjoyed gardening and loved animals. It wasn't uncommon for neighborhood strays to find her while she worked in her flower beds. She would always have a kind word and a bowl of food for a little lost kitty. Her beloved cat, Smokey, will be by her side for all eternity, along with many other furry friends.
Annabel grew up in Mid-Depression Minnesota and, as a young person, moved to Southern California with her parents and her brother. She always had a desire to become a nurse Before the age of 18, she managed to enter into the nurses' aide program at Seaside Hospital in Long Beach, CA. The time spent in the program was one of the happiest times of her life. She especially enjoyed living on the beach in the dorms provided by the hospital. Following graduation, she married and began working in a local doctor's office.
Annabel was a loving mother to two children, Clay and Kelly. They were the light of her life and she would share their latest accomplishments to anyone who would listen. She volunteered to teach art to
Kelly's 4th grade class, became a room mother and was a class chaperon on more than one occasion.
Natural beauty moved Annabel. As a hobby, she took up sketching and later oil painting. She took classes at a local community college to improve and entered local art shows She won several
honorable mentions, one first place and even sold several pieces in later years. Family members will cherish the remaining works of art she left us.
Annabel will be greatly missed by all. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Nels and Etta; brother, Eugene; two former husbands, Robert Bentson and James Jones; and many dear friends. She is survived by son, Clay Bentson; daughter, Kelly(Chuck Henderson); daughter-in-law, Patricia Bentson; grandchildren, Leslie(Michael Galvan) and Robert Bentson; great-grandchildren, Alanna and Evan; several nieces and nephews and many cousins.
Many thanks to all the friends who were supportive of Annabel throughout the years. She loved each and every one of you! Special thanks go out to the entire staff at Mabie Northside Healthcare Facility in
Hollister, CA. Your loving care of our mother has been so appreciated. It gave us strength knowing you
were providing her with such wonderful care.
A memorial service will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Animal Friends Rescue Project of Pacific Grove, CA.