Annabelle May (Lawrence) Novinger, 87, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away Sunday (July 6, 2014) at Twin Pines Adult Care Center in Kirksville.

The daughter of Ernest E. and Cassie Belle (May) Lawrence, she was born February 28, 1927 in Spring Brook, Wisconsin. On February 15, 1947, Annabelle was united in marriage to Robert “Bob” Novinger who preceded her in death on December 6, 1990. She was also preceded in death by her parents; four sisters; three brothers and one son-in-law.

Annabelle is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Priscilla A. and Gary Nuhn of Novinger, MO and Glenna S. Wilkinson-Reihl and Ronald Reihl of Algonquin, IL; one son and daughter-in-law, Richard K. and Karen Novinger of Novinger, MO; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Charlotte and Elmer Van Egdom of Montour, IA and Phyllis Sitton of Grinnell, IA; five grandchildren, Kristine (Brad) Polovich, Matthew Nuhn, Theodore Wilkinson, Gordon (Vanessa)Wilkinson and Troy Novinger and fiancée Marlene Andikasm. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Christian Polovich, Ian Polovich and Issabelle Novinger, as well as several nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, cousins, and five beloved sister-in-laws.

Annabelle grew up in the Low Ground community and lived the remainder of her life on a farm west of Novinger, Missouri in Adair County. She worked at Hollister’s twenty-seven years. She was active in the Democratic committee in the 60’s, volunteered, as an election judge for many years and at the log cabin in Novinger. She loved her wildlife menagerie that were not captive but came freely at her pleasure during morning coffee or at evenings dusk. She loved feeding the hummingbirds (they came and sat on her shoulders, head and hands). Deer and turkey walked freely about her yard and woods bringing her much joy from her kitchen window. She loved gardening and had the greenest thumb for growing anything especially beautiful flowers. Most of all Annabelle was a caretaker of many, family, friends or anyone in need. She always thought of others first putting her own needs aside.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday (July 9, 2014) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 11: a.m. Thursday (July 10, 2014) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Sheila Swafford officiating. Music selections “Little Green Valley” and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” will be provided by Twila Jones who will be accompanied by Dianthe Cable, organist. Interment will follow the service in the Garden of Our Savior of Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Bob Wilkinson, Brad Polovich, Troy Novinger, Randy Novinger, Gary Novinger and Doug See. Honorary pallbearers will be Christian Polovich and Ian Polovich.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Annabelle Novinger may be made to Novinger Log Cabin or to the Novinger Renewal Project. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.