MERCER, Annabelle Rose

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ March 9, 2009 Annabelle Rose Mercer, 75, died Friday afternoon March 6, 2009, at the RTA Hospice and Palliative Care in Lakeside following a lengthy illness. Annabelle was born Jan. 24, 1934, in Phoenix to the late Frank and Rose (Kobold) Titgen and had been a resident of the state her entire life. She married the love of her life, Donald Jay Mercer, Aug. 4, 1951, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Phoenix, and they most recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary together. Annabelle worked several years in the banking industry as an estate planner for the old Valley National Bank. She also worked as a clerk for the Arizona Industrial Commission. However, her favorite job was that of homemaker and was extremely devoted to her husband, children and grandchildren. She was a gifted artist and an accomplished painter; starting with acrylic then moving on to canvas oil painting. Many of her works are hanging on various family members' and friends' walls and are counted as some of their greatest treasures. Annabelle was also a talented seamstress and made many of her children's clothes as they were being raised. This dear lady will greatly be missed by all knew and loved her. Annabelle is survived by her husband, Donald Mercer of Lakeside; three children, LeAnne (Dan) Hopper, Nanette Rhodeos, Michael (Kim) Mercer, all of Phoenix; daughter-in-law Peg Mercer of Wasilla, Alaska; sister Dolores Fortner of Phoenix; two brothers, Wallace Titgen of Idaho and Ronald Titgen of Banning, Calif.; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son Mark Mercer in 1998, sister Lorraine Matchett and brother Leroy Titgen. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather at her memorial service that will begin at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 14, at Owens Livingston Mortuary, White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th St., in Show Low. Chaplain Kevin Weaver of RTA Hospice will be officiating at the service. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owenslivingstonmortuary.com