Annebelle M. Sears

It is with great sadness that the family of Annebelle M. Sears announces her passing on Monday, July 22, 2024. Anne was our dearly loved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend; her family and close friends will miss her dearly. Anne was born in Portland, Oregon, and spent her early years traveling with her family throughout the United States as her father worked as an electrician on our country’s infrastructure. She attended 13 schools before graduating from Santa Ynez Valley Union High School in 1965. Following graduation, she attended business school in Santa Barbara, CA, and then married the love of her life, Ted Sears. Anne and Ted settled in Haysville, Kansas, where her children were raised. Anne worked for Via Christi Hospital in several positions, including her preferred role as an administrative secretary. She retired after 25 years of service. Anne was a kind and thoughtful woman who worked hard and appreciated the simple things in life. Upon moving to the Santa Ynez Valley, Anne’s father gave her an American Saddlebred horse, whom she named Katie. Anne trained Katie with a local cowboy. She spent untold hours riding and caring for Katie. Anne’s most-loved activity after her children were born was walking on the beach with Ted and the girls. Some of her most treasured pastimes included visiting with friends and family, reading the daily paper, crocheting, and dancing at the 101 Club. Sitting in her chair in the morning with a cup of black coffee, watching the leaves on trees outside gently blow in the wind, remained her preferred way to start the day. Following retirement, she volunteered at the Church of the Magdalen Preschool, where she loved seeing the children’s enthusiasm as they learned new things each day. Anne often said, “The joy of my life has been my grandchildren.” She hosted countless sleepover adventures, tea parties, swims during the summer, and playdates in her front yard. Anne also attended every school event. She was immensely proud of who her grandchildren had become as teenagers. Anne is survived by her daughter, Michele (Wade) Marquardt; granddaughters, Claire Marquardt and Keira Marquardt; sister, Ramona Cloutier; brother, John (Mary Kay) Goodwin; sister, Frances (Mike) Reighley; sister, Patricia (Jimmy) Clark; and many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Lisa Sears; parents, John and Lucille Goodwin; sister, Kathleen Lunde; and brother, Mike Goodwin. Viewing will be from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. A rosary followed by a funeral mass will be held at The Church of the Magdalen on July 25, 2024, at 10:00 am. Private interment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Solvang, California. Memorial donations may be made to Via Christi Foundation - Lung Nodule Clinic, Attn: Abdel- Ghanie H. Abu-Samra, MD, 1100 St Francis Suite 100, Wichita, KS 67214.