Anny Belle Small

Anny Belle Small died on December 22nd, 2022, slipping away quietly in her sleep before the sun rose. She was born on May 20, 1930 in Tellico Plains, Tennessee and though her early life saw much hardship, she took a tenacious, bright and loving spirit out into the world when she left her home at 17. She joined the Air Force at 23, where her life-long love of books served her well as an assistant librarian. She made many friends in the service and had a lot of merry adventures. That’s where she also met the love of her life and husband, Bill. They began a family and traveled where the military sent them, living in France, Germany and Texas for a time but always coming home to Colorado. Anny was generous, known for her volunteer work at her church and the school. She was a consummate baker and seamstress and made many an Easter outfit for her daughters and granddaughters. Her cakes were sought after at all the bake sales. Anny was a notorious bowler bringing home great stories and even some trophies. Music was so important to her. She made sure her kids had music lessons and she was a faithful member of the church choir, voicing her faith in song for many years at both St. Therese and St. Pius X parishes in Aurora, Colorado.

With kids and grandkids mostly raised, she took her outgoing personality to the grocery stores as a sample person. She made friends wherever she went. She was always putting together a care package for someone or sending off a card signed with love. In later years, when she spent more time at the hospital, she was a favorite with all the nurses on her floor. She spent time at the bedsides of her dying friends, she cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Until close to the end, every new family member received a crocheted blanket from Grandma, made with them in mind.

She was proceeded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, her four siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her children Kirby Pierce (Laura) of Petaluma CA, Patricia Sternberg of Helena MT, Mary Wirth (Tracy) of Aurora CO, David Small of Helena MT, Michael Small (Cindy) of Millikin CO, grandchildren Max Sternberg, Emma Logan (Justin), Nola Ross (Rob), April Chism (JD), Will Pierce, Erin Smith (Jason), Crystal Small, Kristopher Small, Cassandra Wieland (Jeremiah), great grandchildren Andromeda Peoples, Christian and Charlotte Chism, Bellatrix Weiland and Avery Annybelle Smith, her beloved niece Betty Smith and cousin Mildred Branam both of Tennessee and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and loving friends.

Viewing scheduled for Monday January 9th at 5 p.m. followed by the Rosary at 6 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday January 10th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 19099 E. Floyd Ave. Aurora, CO 80013.

Graveside Service 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Fort Logan Cemetery 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd. Denver, CO 80260, Staging Area "A". United States Air Force Honors will be rendered at the cemetery. Reception to follow at the family home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.olingerhampdenmortuary.com for the Small family.