Anna Lu Hasenbank

Anna Lu Hasenbank (O’Donnell) passed away on April 29, 2024, in Plains, Kansas.  She was born on May 21, 1939, in rural Frankfort, Kansas.  She was the daughter of Francis Joseph and Sarah Caroline (Hayes) O’Donnell.  

Anna attended Frankfort High School.  After graduation, she attended Brown Mackie College to learn shorthand, a professional talent that would serve her well.  Anna's true passion, however, was her role as a homemaker and bookkeeper for the family's auto body business.  She also shared her culinary talents as a cook at various establishments, including the Friendly Cooker and Daylight Donuts in Wamego, and at the St. George School.

Anna's life was devoted to her family, community, and Roman Catholic faith.

In 1964, Anna married the love of her life, Forrest Hasenbank, and together, they built a family that became her pride and joy.  Their partnership spanned 43 wonderful years until Forrest's passing in 2007.  Anna's legacy is carried on by her six children: Russell Wayne (Dana) of Plains, Randy Keith (Lennis) of North Liberty, Iowa, Rodney Joseph (Karen) of Auburn, Reggie Duane of Abilene, Dixie Roxanna Hoover (Rod) of Saint George, and Rhonda Lucille Womack (Brian) of Silver Lake.  Her love extended to her 15 grandchildren: Ashley Lynn McHenry and Britny Dawn Bell of Plains, Crystal Louis Zook (Daniel) of Garden City, Samantha Rae Jennings (Cody) of Valley Center, Dakoda Deann Cox of Satanta, Kristopher Lee Diehl (Sarah) of Topeka; Connor Wayne Hasenbank (Brooke), Addison Faith Hasenbank, Carson Nathaniel Hasenbank, and Carter Duane Hasenbank of Abilene, Bridget Caroline Hess (Mark) of Ogden, Courtney Lynn Plummer (Levi) of Manchester, Brent Carl Hoover and (Sarah) of Colby,  Dylan Wesley Womack of Silver Lake, and Brianna Marie Womack of Seattle, Washington.  Expanding the family further are 22 great-grandchildren: Jaelynn, Caiden, Treyson, Carley, Brayden, Cole, Branson, Sahnoa, Brylee, Lillian, Taylee, Zaylee, Paisley, Warren, Sadie, Logan, Nolan, Emery, Elizabeth, Izebella, Warren, and Harper-Jo.

Her family and friends were the recipients of her boundless love and the amazing cakes and cookies she created.  Anna's life was marked by her gentle nature, selfless generosity, and unwavering faith.  She was a collector of cookbooks and knick-knacks, each piece a story, each recipe a memory.  Her gardens bloomed with the same care and attention she gave to every aspect of her life, and her canning was a staple in her kitchen.  Her Roman Catholic faith was a cornerstone of her existence.

Anna was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Forrest, her parents, and her brother, Joseph Francis "Joe" O'Donnell.  Her memory will be cherished and kept alive by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Mary O'Donnell, nieces Jennifer Meseke, Nancy Brownell, and Leah Blankley, as well as a community of friends.

The world is a little less bright with Anna's passing, but her legacy of love and selflessness will continue to inspire those who knew her.  Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association and may be sent in the care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home.  The family will be holding a private service and burial.  Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.