Annette Kay Harlan

Annette Kay (Nelson) Harlan departed this life on November 11, 2022, in Riley, Kansas. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 16, from 2-8 p.m. at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, November 17, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenleaf. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery, northwest of Barnes. Annette was born January 19, 1943, in Concordia to John W. and Evelyn (Wheeler) Nelson and baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenleaf. She graduated from Barnes High School in 1961, and then attended Kansas State University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Education. After graduation, she taught business classes at Blue Valley High School in Randolph from 1965 to 1971 and enjoyed helping with various school activities including being the senior class sponsor. Annette met Robert (Bob) in December 1969 when he returned from Vietnam. They were joined in marriage on July 25, 1971, at Trinity Lutheran Church. Their union was blessed with two children, Rebecca and William (Bill). Annette enjoyed being a homemaker and stay-at-home mom. Annette was very active in church and taught Sunday school for many years. She loved animals and enjoyed numerous family pets. She served as a volunteer for 4-H, working with several committees including the club banner, and being a project leader for geology and entomology. Annette and Bob were the county photography project leaders for more than 30 years. Another of their favorite activities was showing Annette’s 1969 Mustang at car shows. Annette was preceded in death by her parents, John W. and Evelyn Nelson, and her brother John T. Nelson. She is survived by her husband Bob, of the home; children, Rebecca (Scott) Butler, Pittsburg, and Bill (Lori) Harlan, Manhattan; granddaughter Bridget Harlan, Manhattan; and sister-in-law Linda Nelson, Washington. A memorial fund is established to the Trinity Lutheran Church or the 4-H Foundation. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Annette Kay Harlan, please visit our flower store.