AnnaBelle “Annie” Friend, 95, died at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, 2016, at Heritage
Pointe in Warren, IN. Annie was born in Dunkirk to the late Hurshel B. and Jennie (Curless) Hethcote, and she graduated from Union High School in Huntington County. She spent most of her life in Anderson until she moved to Warren in 1978.
On December 9, 1942, Annie married Ray Friend, and they shared 33 years together until his death on May 26, 1976. During those years, they enjoyed camping in their RV and traveling throughout the United States with members of the Antique Car Club. Annie retired from American Security Finance Company in Anderson, where she was employed as an accountant and audited books for many of their locations. She was a member of the Monument Chapel Church and a lifetime member of the DAV.
Annie was a very kind-hearted lady with a quiet strength. After her husband’s death, it came as no surprise to those who knew Annie that she would minister to and care for the elderly in their homes for several years. She was a blessing and truly a “friend” to many.
Those surviving Annie include her brothers, Max (Luella) Hethcote and Merritt Hethcote, both from Warren; sisters, Arliss Jean Drabenstot, Huntington, and Janice (Jon) Kellam, Mt. Etna; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Annie was preceded in death by her step-mother, Anna
Hethcote; brothers, Hurshel Hethcote, Jr., Claude “Dea” Hethcote, and Merrill Hethcote; and sisters,
Wanda Hunnicutt and Melba Milar.
The family will receive visitors from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2016, at Needham-Storey-
Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN. Services for Annie will begin at 11 a.m. with Rev. Charles Dederick officiating. Burial will follow at Estates of Serenity in Marion.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.