Annabell H. Rousselot
Annabell H. Rousselot, 95 passed away Friday, December 8th, 2023.
Annabell was born April 8th, 1928 in Chesterfield, Idaho to Lafayette and Annaleas (Halverson) Holbrook. She was raised on the farm and worked alongside her brothers and sisters doing the chores necessary in rural Idaho to feed a family and provide food and fiber for America.
Annabell left the farm in 1947 and found work in San Francisco as a secretary. It wasn’t long before she was recruited by and offered the opportunity to work for the CIA and to travel to Japan.
It was in Japan she met Robert E. (Bob) Rousselot as their careers in the Agency crossed paths. Her Boss in Japan was hesitant to introduce Bob Rousselot to his valued secretary but it was inevitable and after a courtship in the Far East and traveling back to Idaho and Missouri to meet the respective families the two were married in Fayetteville, Arkansas and headed straight back to Formosa where Bob’s airline (Civil Air Transport) was based.
After spending 9 years in Taipei, Formosa and having two sons Ann and her family moved to California where Bob spent 2 years working for Continental Airlines.
In 1966 the family moved to Okay, Oklahoma and began a new chapter in their life of cattle ranching on Gray Oaks Ranch. Annabell was chief cook, fed many a bottle calf, saddled up and chased many a wild beef animal and was not always on the best horse available. She drove the hay truck, helped pull many a calf and always had food on the table for her family and anyone else who the Boss invited.
Annabell was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and her faith was always important to her. She attended the Muskogee Ward and was an active member. When a Ward was established in Wagoner Annabell was a founding member and played the piano until she wasn’t able.
Annabell was a member of Study Club, Wagoner Lions Club (Past President), Wagoner County Cattlemen’s Association, Wagoner County Farm Bureau and Wagoner PEO EU Chapter.
She is a Life member of the Civil Air Transport (CAT Association) and a Permanent Honorary Chair.
Annabell was preceded in death by her husband Bob, her son Jason, her parents Lafayette and Annaleas, sisters Allene and Trieste, brothers Joe, Lafe, Bud and Pat.
She is survived by her son Wade and daughter-in-law Margie, grandson Andy Rousselot, granddaughter Lelia Rousselot Norton and husband Alex, and great granddaughter Josie Mae Norton and her sister Jackie Shroeder and husband Dale. There are also many, many nieces and nephews she cherished dearly. Also, Annabell’s longtime friend JK Synar.
A visitation was held at Mallett Funeral Home in Wagoner, Oklahoma on Saturday, December 16, 2023.
Annabell will be laid to rest at the Chesterfield Cemetery in Chesterfield, Idaho in the Holbrook section.
