Annabelle Gillis

Annabelle Gillis, 78, of Austin, Texas passed peacefully surrounded by family to join her Lord and Savior on Friday November 30th due to natural causes related to Alzheimer’s. Annabelle was born February 2, 1934 in Coupland, Texas to Kenny and Eva Speckels. She grew up steps from St. Peters Church of Coupland (her church home for life) with her older sister Genevieve and younger brother Warren. After graduation from high school, Annabelle worked for Western Union, the IRS, and the National Guard and then joined IBM when it opened in Austin. She remained with IBM for 21 years before retiring. She is married to Robert P. Gillis of Austin who has adored her and shared her love and life for the past 36 years.
A rare gem in the Lord’s crown, Annabelle possessed both the grace and style of a true lady but always with the humblest of spirit. Despite her outward and inward beauty, she never saw herself as worthy of high esteem and would never want you to fuss over her. Yet Annabelle was beloved by all who came to know her. She was caring, kind and never spoke an ill word about others. She had a passion for family and friends. She loved fishing with Bob, Keto , and Jo, a good game of cards with friend Doris, travelling all over the world, digging in the dirt of her garden, and baking for her large family. She was a true treasure to her entire family and her friends who will miss her sweet smile, back and head rubs, and warm yeast rolls baked with love. Quoting from her favorite, Psalm 23, she surely had goodness and loving-kindness all the days of her life and is now dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.
She was preceded in death by her parents Kenny and Eva Speckels of Coupland and sister Genevieve Hayes of Poteet. She is survived by her loving husband Robert P. Gillis, children Robert Bushn and wife Eliza of Dripping Springs, Kenneth Bushn and Sharon of Austin, Gregory Bushn of Coupland, Laura and Mark Johns of Santé Fe, NM and Sandi Gillis of Austin. She is beloved “Mimi” to 9 grandchildren: Kyle Bushn, Clinton Bushn, Keith and Kevin Selvera, Kristen Bushn, Rachael Bushn, Camille Bushn and Robbie Araiza, as well as 7 great grandchildren. She is also survived by Aunt Margaret Speckels of Ballinger, brother Warren and his wife Melba of Elgin, and brother in law John Hayes of Poteet.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt and sincere appreciation to the staff of Arden Courts of Austin, Senior Sitters and Odyssey Hospice who lovingly cared so well for Annabelle during her final years. In lieu of flowers, the family desires that any tributes or memorials be sent in her name to either St. Peters Church of Coupland or the Alzheimer Association at ALZ.org.
For family and friends wishing to share in the reverence of her passing and the celebration of her life, a visitation will be held in St. Peter’s Church of Coupland on Tuesday, December 4, 2012 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Immediately after the visitation, a celebration of her life will be conducted at 2:00 pm followed by internment in St. Peter’s Church Cemetery.