HELEN G. HANNAH
1950 - 2022
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our loving motherK wifeK grandmotherK aunt and loyal friendK Helen G. Hannah on October 9K 2022. Helen was 72.
Helen was born on April 7K 1950 in Van NuysK CA to Carol and Dallas SteverK the first of three childrenK brothers Donny and Kenny soon followed. Upon Helen’s mother’s death in 1964K she was welcomed by her Aunt Martha and Uncle Tex as a bonus daughter. When Martha and Tex purchased Aberdeen Resort in 1972K Helen moved to Inyo County with then-husband Don BlackK where they welcomed daughter Carol in 1974. Helen was a most welcoming and extraordinary waitress at Aberdeen for 17 yearsK where many of the Thursday night regulars became ‘family.’ Helen rounded out her 26year waitressing career at Austin’s Cafe in Independence and Merry Go Round in Lone Pine.
Helen was one of a kind and her life experiences and interests provided for interesting conversations. She was an avid NASCAR fanK cheering on Earnhardt Jr. and Bill Elliot with husband of 13 yearsK Sherman. As a John Wayne super-fanK she dubbed her favorite beans at Aberdeen John Wayne Chili. She passionately loved animals of all kinds but particularly her beloved labrador dogs and countless cats whom she is now reunited with and undoubtedly sneaking them snacks.
Helen enjoyed many hobbies- bakingK candy makingK sewing and craftingK these talents she generously shared with her daughter CarolK and also blessed the community – sewing homecoming dressesK cheerleading uniforms and holiday costumesK donating bake sale items to name a few. She loved 4th of JulyK Halloween and Christmas because of the festive gatherings and celebrations – time to laugh and share with family and friends that she loved so much.
After Helen survived a major cardiac event in 2012K she had to slow down a little and interests turned to readingK doing puzzle books and favorite tv shows: Law & Order SVUK Criminal MindsK CSIK NCIS and Chicago Fire.
The greatest love of her life was her granddaughterK Kiera. Helen was the proudest grandmother to Kiera and she will be missed for her silly jokes and hugs.
The friendships she made while working at Aberdeen carried on for many yearsK and expanded to the town of Independence. To say that she will be missed is an understatement.
Helen is survived by husbandK Sherman A. Hannah of IndependenceK daughter Carol (Jason) of SacramentoK granddaughter KieraK13Z step-children yach (Amy Olin)K LaurenK and CodyZ Mike ButtonK Barbie ButtonZ Step-grandchildrenK JosieK Cole and Rance: cousinsK Marilee Whitlock and Heather WhitlockK nieces Erin LuloK Amy Whitlock and April WhitlockK nephews Jim WhitlockK Brian Whitlock and Jason Whitlock.
She was preceded in death by her parentsK brothersK Aunt Martha DixonK cousins JimK Larry and Terry Whitlock.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for November 5th at 1 p.m. at the Hannah residence in Independence following a private memorial for the family.