Annabelle Clara Yost's Obituary
Big Rapids- Annabelle Clara (Mishler) Yost, 92, of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, November 14, 2022, at the Brook Assisted Living in Big Rapids.
She was born December 11, 1929, in Lansing, MI, the daughter of John and Edna (Sobotta) Mishler, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1947. Her father died when she was 17 and as one of six children, she went to work to help support the family.
On August 26, 1950, she married the boy next door, Richard Yost. Together they made their home in Big Rapids and raised four children - Julie, Ellen, Thomas, and Kristina. Over the years they added ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren to their family.
Ann worked at local factories as a line supervisor, first at Kick Away Garments and later Wolverine World Wide, before leaving to fulfill her dream of opening a fabric store. She owned and operated "The Fabricana" in Big Rapids from 1973-1992. During those nearly 20 years in business, she shared her love of sewing and taught hundreds of kids and adults all about the fun of creating with fabric and a sewing machine!
Ann had a passion for politics! She really enjoyed engaging anyone and everyone in political discussions and debating the state of local, state, and national government! She served on the DDA and Plan board for the City of Big Rapids before being elected to serve as a City Commissioner of Big Rapids from 1991-1995.
Ann loved to cook, and she hosted many a Mishler/Yost family Christmas dinner at her home and Fourth of July parties at the family cottage on Horsehead Lake. Annabelle was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Big Rapids and is now in the arms of the Lord.
Annabelle is survived by her children, Julie Swenson of Grand Haven, Thomas (Kathleen) Yost of Livonia, and Kristina (James) Nelson of Sparta; son-in-law Dale Taylor of Pinckney; nine grandchildren, Kelly, Kevin, Katie, Kari, Zackary, Jill, Charlie, Annie, and Mary Claire; five great grandchildren; her sisters Margaret Schonberg of Holland and Marolyn Zinser of Dewitt; her sister-in-law Marie Mishler; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Richard in 2003, her daughter Ellen Taylor in 2007, granddaughter Sara Jo Taylor in 1999, her siblings and their spouses Joseph and Margaret Mishler, Darwin Mishler, Donald and Yvonne Mishler, and Ruth and Richard Earnest, and brothers-in-law Harold Schonberg and Herbert Zinser.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor Jeffrey Weber officiating. Burial will be in the Highland View Cemetery. Annabelle's family will greet friends from 4-7 p.m., Friday, November 18, 2022, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and beginning at 10 a.m., Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions in her name may be made her church. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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