Doris H. Annas died early in the morning of June 14, 2014 in the compassionate care of family and staff of Big Sky Care Center and Rocky Mountain Hospice. She was 88 years old.
She was one of eight daughters born to Peter and Hilda Hanson in Clair City, SD on March 23, 1926. To the end, she spoke nostalgically of growing up on a farm and riding to her rural elementary school in the back of a horse drawn wagon. Her family moved during the Depression to a number of towns in Montana, wherever Peter could find work – most memorable to her was Whitefish, MT. On her family’s journey west, she would recall having her first restaurant meal – a bowl of Cornflakes. Ultimately, she and her family settled in Seattle, WA where she graduated from Queen Anne High School.
After graduation, and during a trip to Helena in 1947, she met Samuel A. Annas. They married in August, 1948. From this union, they raised six children: Linda (Tom) Heyes, Vicki Annas-Salcido, S. Stephen Annas, Pamela Annas, Mark (Nanette) Annas, and Karen Annas. Linda, Stephen and Pamela preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughters Vicki of Tuscon, AZ, Karen and son Mark of Helena, MT. She is also survived by her grandson, Michael Stoyanoff-Annas of Helena, her granddaughter Kaela (Colin) Cappelano, and her great grandson, Jasper Cappelano of Raleigh, NC.
All of her children were blessed by her love of the outdoors. During any season, she would bundle the children up, head for a country road south of Helena and invite us to go “walk a mile”. During retirement from the State of Montana, she found deep enjoyment visiting with family, friends and former co-workers. Her biggest joy late in life was to see and hold her first and only great grandson Jasper.
To all who sent cards, visited, and kept her in your prayers, know her spirit was buoyed to the end by your thoughtfulness. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Big Sky Care Center in Helena, or Rocky Mountain Hospice.
Graveside services will be held Friday, June 20, 2014 at Resurrection Cemetery in Helena, MT at 11am with a reception to immediately follow at Anderson Stephenson Wilke Funeral Home located 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. To offer a condolence to the family or share a memory of Doris please visit below.
Carole Perkins says
Aunt Doris, was special to me from the time I can remember. Visiting her home almost every summer, was a special treat. She was dedicated to her family. I am thankful for such an aunt, especially after losing my mom, and sister. She taught me the importance of making the most of your family, no matter what. My deepest condolences, to my dearest cousins, and their
families.
Cynthia Marie Wilder & family says
Our hearts go out to all of you (Mark, Vicki, Karen & Michael). Aunty Doris was very dear and special to all of us. After loosing my mama Hazel, Aunty Doris was like my second mom. She was such a joy to be with and I am thankful for all the visits I was able to have with her before her passing. I have so many fond memories to keep in my heart, and they are all very special to me. May God comfort all of you in your time of sorrow. Just remember she will always be with you. May she rest in peace! We will miss her terribly, as she was a very important part of our lives. God Bless ALL of you! Cynthia, Scott, Tamara & Shawna
Shauna Espinoza says
I haven’t seen my moms aunt since I was a child but she has always shared fond memories of growing up with her mom and three aunts. All four sisters are reunited now, may they all rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Marlene O’Hare and Shauna Espinoza
Debbie McManus says
There are so many great memories I have of my Aunt. She’d come to California and visit my Mom. We’d always be laughing about something. She always was a fun person to be around. I can remember her aunt Vi and Mom talking of the old days. The one summer I spent there was the best ever. She would send me letters every year telling me of my cousins. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all during this time. She will be missed.
Margaret Frigge says
Aunt Doris was the best Aunt,Godmother,and second Mom I could have ever asked for. I Loved her Dearly. Aunt Doris was always a comedian. She could lift anyone’s Spirit, and make them laugh. She was so strong! I know she is at peace, now. Vicky, Mark, Karen, and Michael, I Love You all very much, and am Truly Sorry. Aunt Doris will be truly missed by all of us who knew here, and Loved her. You are in my praters. May God be with you, through these difficult times, and always. Margaret
Veronica Wing says
Doris was hilarious! We always enjoyed her Christmas letters; they came first and were the best! She will be missed! Mark, you and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care of each other!
Love, Russ and Bon
Laura (Whitaker) Barille says
We were saddened to hear of your loss. Please know how very sorry we are. Great aunt Doris of mine was a very special & sweet lady and loved her so dearly. Knowing now that she is no more suffering and is back with her 3 kids & Sam in heaven.
By the way, we are very sorry we won’t be able to make it to her funeral as we have other plans made. We will be thinking of her and the rest of you. Sending you all our hugs.
Love ya all, Frank Barille family
Sandi 'Coyle' Benson says
Karen – I was sorry to read of your mom’s passing. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. “God Bless”
Val "Rowley" Flansaas says
Vicki I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. Remember her from years ago, wonderful lady.
Susan Sabol says
Karen and family,
You are in my thoughts and prayers~ Susan
Jere Hoy says
Vicki, we are very sorry for your loss. Kay and I have thought about you many times over the years. Please know that we care. Jere and Kay
Ed & Kelly Whitaker says
Ed & I will miss our Great Aunt Doris, her sprit , her no bull attitude and sense of humor. We will always remember her dancing skills that she showed off at our wedding, Doris will truly be missed. Ed and Kelly Whitaker
Terese Johnson says
Warm memories of Mrs Annas come back to me – She was so totally Likeable. I was a Jr Hi friend of Linda’s. Mrs Annas had the kindest eyes – needing to fire with all cylinders when needed – yet always reverting immediately to their natural ‘kind’ state. I’ll always remember how nice she was to my Mother, giving her rides to work every day from Stewart Homes to the Capitol in the cold & snowy Helena winter. I’m so sorry for the loss to your family.
Norb Frigge says
My Aunt Doris was a beautiful, loving and giving person, and always fun to be with. She had a wonderful sense of humor. When uncle Sam and Doris were present, there was plenty of laughs. I remember the weekend drives and walks, especially when we got ice cream cones. I always remember how close my mother Hazel, Doris, Alice, and Vi were, and the many travels, and fun times, especially with our family and Doris’s family because we lived in Helena. I always loved being with Doris and felt comfortable and loved. Doris always had time to help people in need. She will be greatly missed by us all. Love U Doris.