Anna Belle Grubbs

AnnaBelle Grubbs was born on July 9, 1929 to Vera (Mendenhall) and Jacob McDonnel in Hemet, CA and went to be with her Lord on October 30, 2021. At the age of 2 she moved with her family to Burr Oak, KS where she graduated from High School in 1946 and then graduated from Stewards Beauty Academy in Salina in 1947. She then worked at a beauty shop in Beloit for 4 years.

She married Homer L. Grubbs in 1952 and they made their home on the farm west of Burr Oak. AnnaBelle owned and operated Grubbs’ Beauty Shop in Burr Oak for 50 years, retiring in 2003. She was a member of the Burr Oak United Methodist Church where she taught children’s Sunday school for several years and helped to organize many of the social events and dinners throughout the years.

AnnaBelle enjoyed life on the farm where horses and many other animals were a big part of their lives. She loved to garden which was always evident in the many plants and flowers she kept throughout her home, yard and the beauty shop. She especially loved spending time with her many nieces and nephews, taking them swimming, skating, and on numerous trips to parks and museums. Each of them have so many great memories of the fun times spent with Aunt AnnaBelle. In 2007, she and Homer said goodbye to their home on the farm and moved to an apartment in Mankato where she loved being a part of their new community, continuing a long time tradition of baking cinnamon rolls and other goodies for neighbors and friends.

AnnaBelle said she lived by the motto, God will take care of me. She felt closest to God when she was outside amidst all of His creation. She said she saw God in the animals, the flowers, her neighbors and friends. She was always doing for others and thinking of ways to brighten someone’s day. AnnaBelle will truly be missed by so many.

AnnaBelle was preceded in death by her husband, Homer, her parents, her sister, Beth Jeffery and her brother-in-law Lyle Jeffery all of Burr Oak. She is survived by her brother, James McDonnel of Boston, niece Beverly (Dwight) Frost of Esbon, nephew Gale (Kathleen) Jeffery of Burr Oak, niece Debby (Mike) Platt of Derby, numerous great-nieces and nephews as well as a host of wonderful friends!

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to Solomon Valley Hospice or the Jewell County Hospital ISB Wing, in care of Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, KS 66956.