In Memoriam: Helen G. Hannah
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, and loyal friend, Helen G. Hannah on October 9, 2022. Helen was 72.
Helen was born on April 7, 1950 in Van Nuys, CA to Carol and Dallas Stever, the first of three children. Brothers Donny and Kenny soon followed. Upon Helen’s mother’s death in 1964, she was welcomed by her Aunt Martha and Uncle Tex as a bonus daughter. When Martha and Tex purchased Aberdeen Resort in 1972, Helen moved to Inyo County with then-husband Don Black, where they welcomed daughter Carol in 1974. Helen was a most welcoming and extraordinary waitress at Aberdeen for for 17 years, where many of the Thursday night regulars became “family.” Helen rounded out her 26-year 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 fan, cheering on Earnhardt Jr. and Bill Elliot with husband of 13 years, Sherman. As a John Wayne super-fan, 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- baking, candy making, sewing and crafting, these talents she generously shared with her daughter Carol, and also blessed the community- sewing homecoming dresses, cheerleading uniforms, and holiday costumes, and donating bake sale items to name a few. She loved 4th of July, 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 2012, she had to slow down a little and interests turned to reading, doing puzzle books and favorite TV shows: Law & Order SVU, Criminal Minds, CSI, NCIS, and Chicago Fire.
The greatest love of her life was her granddaughter, 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 years, and expanded to the town of Independence. To say that she will be missed is an understatement.
Helen is survived by husband, Sherman A. Hannah of Independence, daughter Carol (Jason) of Sacramento, granddaughter Kiera,13; step-children Zach (Amy Olin), Lauren, and Cody; Mike Button, Barbie Button; step-grandchildren Josie, Cole and Rance; cousins Marilee Whitlock and Heather Whitlock; nieces Erin Lulo, Amy Whitlock, and April Whitlock; and nephews Jim Whitlock, Brian Whitlock and Jason Whitlock.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Aunt Martha Dixon, and cousins Jim, 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.
