Anna Belle Lizer, 93, of Missouri Valley, died Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at Longview Nursing Home under the care of Hospice. She was born Jan. 18, 1928, in Pisgah, the daughter of Elmer and Berta (Johnson) Simmons. Anna Belle graduated from Pisgah High School and married John Lizer on Sept. 15, 1946. They were blessed with two children, Patricia and Thomas. They lived near Gallatin, Mo. for a time before returning to Iowa where they farmed near Mondamin for many years before moving to Pisgah to retire. She was a member of Community of Christ Church in Pisgah, and served alongside John, many of those years as women’s leader. She enjoyed her work in the gift shop at the Kopper Kettle in Missouri Valley for many years.
Anna Belle loved her family with all her heart and was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She is remembered for her creative and good-humored approach to many situations; from bending a make-shift “toilet” from a coat hanger, to entertaining fun-loving grandsons with her rendition of “boys love candy”! She was a collector and had an impressive assemblage of Hull pottery, porcelain dolls and quirky Christmas decorations. She loved entertaining, especially her family, and to this day, holds the status of champion Penny Roll baker and Pecan Pie maker.
She is survived by daughter, Patricia (Jerome Neill) Olinger, daughter-in-law, Debra Lizer, grandchildren: Zach Olinger, Josh Lizer, Jesse Lizer, Reka Buffington, Ben Lizer, Rogette Guthart, Avenia Lizer, Jurane Lizer, Vaishali Lizer, great-grandchildren: Dakota Hart, Ashton Olinger, Lani Olinger, Haylee Lizer, Addison Lizer, Kole, Landon, Owen, and Claire Lizer, Micah Guthart, plus one more great-grandson, baby boy Lizer, due April 8, and great-great-grandchild Henley Dawn Hart. Also survived by siblings Hattie (Frank) Bush, Dolores (Richard) Haley, Lila (Ival) Hinkel, and Shirley (Dallas) Flaherty.
Annabelle was preceded in death by her parents, husband John, granddaughter Heather (Olinger) Hart, son Tom, and siblings Gladys (Les) Hatcher, Arnold (Thelma) Simmons, Laverne (Pauline) Simmons, Paul (Betheen) Simmons, infant brother Tommy and sister Joyce.
Visitation and Funeral Service were held Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley. Elders Donnie and Carolyn Bothwell Officiated. The music selections were “Amazing Grace”, “In The Garden”, and “The Old Rugged Cross”. Casket Bearers were Joshua Lizer, Ben Lizer, Zachary Olinger, Ashton Olinger, Joe Buffington, and Gordon Hinkel. Anna’s final resting place is at Soldier Valley Cemetery in Pisgah.
Arrangements by Hennessey Funeral Home. www.hennesseyonline.com
