Annabelle M. Hoffarth (nee Creekpaum), 94, of Hecker, born June 6, 1930, in Vergennes, died July 4, 2024, at Bria of Columbia..

Annabelle was born in Vergennes and grew up in Elkville and Dowell. She moved to East St. Louis at the age of 12. At the age of 17, she began working at Southwestern Bell Telephone (Illinois Bell) on the switchboard and retired in 1985 after 38 years. 

Annabelle enjoyed reading, knitting, sewing, embroidery and quilting. She was a lifetime member of the AT&T Pioneers, a member of the American Legion of Smithton Auxiliary, the Smithton Senior Center and the Catholic War Veterans Auxiliary.

Surviving are a daughter Karen Kimme; grandchildren, Christopher Hoffarth, James (Aimi) Hoffarth, Sarah Kimme and Jerry Rothenberg; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Zach (Alaina), Dylan, Heaven, Abby, Dixie Lee and Marcus (Caitlyn);great-great-grandchildren and two more on the way; sister-in-law Betty Creekpaum; and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Robert Hoffarth Sr., whom she married on Jan. 20, 1951, and who died on June 23, 2012; son Robert L. Hoffarth Jr; granddaughter Jennifer Hunt; her parents Herman and Thelma (nee Burroughs) Creekpaum; brother Norman Creekpaum; sister Luella (Charles) Kingsley; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law Fred Jr. and Clara (nee Vogt) Hoffarth.

Visitation is 9-11 a.m. July 10 at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, Hecker.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated following visitation at the church with Fr. Linus Umoren officiating.

Private burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis.

Memorials may be made to the Smithton Senior Center or to the charity of the donor’s choice. 

Arrangements are with George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Smithton.