Annabel Lee Rusch

Annabel Lee Wells Rusch, 101, Zionsville, passed away June 17, 2022. She was born in Hamilton, IN to Lafe J. and Delphina Lemon Wells. She graduated from Hamilton High School in Hamilton, IN. She worked as a librarian aide at North Central High School for many years. Annabel lived in Carmel, IN for the past 42 years. She was a member of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

Annabel was a very strong and independent person who loved her family dearly. In the face of tragedy, she was always a pillar of hope, faith, and strength. She was fiercely loyal to those she loved and those individuals reciprocated that loyalty. Spending time with her children brought Annabel great enjoyment. She was especially happy when she was able to spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and she cherished every moment. She enjoyed going out to eat with her family and friends and Sunday dinners with her grandson, Josh. She cared not only about her family, but other less fortunate, donating to various charities.

Annabel’s favorite hobbies were sewing and knitting for herself, family members, and others. She was an avid dog lover, having numerous boxers as pets over the course of her life. In the twilight of her life, she became a cat lover as well.

Annabel lived a complete, long, and happy life. She was a part of the “Greatest Generation”, which describes her life in so many ways. Over the course of her 101 years, she was able to experience and witness some of the world’s greatest moments, triumphs, medical, technological, social, and cultural achievements. Future generations can only hope to be so privileged and lucky enough to experience such a rich and plentiful lifetime.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 43 years, (Norman J. Rusch) and sisters (Juanita Hammond, Elizabeth Ginzberg, and Catherine Domkey), sons (Michael Rusch and Richard Rusch), and daughter (Wendy Farmer).

Survivors include her daughter, Kristina (John) Bitner, grandchildren Laura (Rick) Wilton, Greg (Cindy) Rusch, Rachel (Brad) Begle, and Joshua (Erin) Bitner, great-grandchildren Amber and Erica Wilton, Emily and Derrick Rusch, Annabel and Lorraine Begle, Ansel Bitner, and her cat “Princess”.

Visitation will be held Friday July 8th from 1:30pm – 2:30pm at Flanner Buchanan – Oaklawn Memorial Gardens (Conner Suite), 9700 Allisonville Rd. Indianapolis. A memorial service will begin there at 2:30pm. Online condolences may be shared at www.flannerbuchanan.com.