Annabelle M. Shellenberger-Gibson

Annabelle M. Shellenberger-Gibson, age 95, of Howland died Monday afternoon, January 21, 2019 at her home. She was born on October 13, 1923 in Ravenna, the daughter of the late Clarence and Margaret Jones Diezman. Annabelle was a 1941 graduate of Newton Falls High School, where she was a homecoming queen. She served as Worthy Advisor for Rainbow Girls Ravenna Assembly No. 35. Annabelle also served as a U.S.O. hostess during World War II for the U.S. Air Force, stationed at the main campus of Kent State University. She pursued her secretarial ambitions as secretary to the plant superintendent of the C.L. Gougler Machine Company, which became a Defense Plant during World War II. She was also employed as secretary to the Registrar of the University of Akron. She retired in 1971 from Howland Local Schools where she had been employed as a secretary at the high school for eleven years. Annabelle was married to Allan C. Shellenberger on September 10, 1944 in Akron, Ohio. Allan preceded her in death on January 12, 1985. Annabelle will be remembered by many who knew her as a carpenter, working alongside of her husband while building four homes in Howland. She enjoyed golf, Cleveland Indians baseball, gardening, and music. Most of all, she loved being a homemaker and sharing in family activities. She was a member of the Howland United Methodist Church. Annabelle and James R. Gibson were married on May 16, 1987. They enjoyed spending much of their 10 years together in Florida. James died on November 8, 1997. Annabelle is survived by two daughters, Linda Pierce of Banner Elk, NC and Sandra (Joseph) Brigido of Howland; four grandchildren, Eric Auten of Valdez, Alaska, Philip (Kristen) Brigido of Howland, Laura (Mary) Brigido of Pittsburgh, Pa., and Madeline Pierce of Elon, NC; two great granddaughters, Cara and Gia Brigido of Howland. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the 11 a.m. memorial service which will be held on Friday, January 25 at Howland United Methodist Church with the Reverend Matt Darrin officiating. Burial will be at Howland Township Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to Lane Family Funeral Homes, Roberts-Clark Chapel in Warren. Memorial contributions may be made to the Howland United Methodist Church, 730 Howland Wilson Rd NE, Warren, OH 44484. Online condolences may be made to the family and the obituary viewed at www.robertsclarkchapel.com