Annabelle Gough

Born to Syrian Immigrants in 1929, during the beginning of the Great Depression, Annabelle was raised on East Brookside Avenue in Indianapolis with her parents and three brothers, where they worked at the family’s neighborhood grocery store. While in high school, she worked loading rail cars supporting the war effort of WWII and later as a part-time paid intern with the Indiana State Board of Health.

Annabelle graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in 1948, and the day after, immediately began a 38-year career with the Indiana State Board of Health, retiring in 1986. During her tenure, she rose from part-time clerical assistant to becoming the first woman named as the Registrar for the state of Indiana, a position where she was especially pleased to have had her signature on family members’ birth certificates. Recognized for her knowledge and expertise in vital statistics, she instructed on the subject throughout Indiana and the country. During her tenure, she was called upon to assist various law enforcement agencies, including the US Marshalls, FBI, Immigration and even INPTERPOL. Prior to her retirement she was recognized by and received accolades from the United States Department of Justice and the US Marshall’s service.

It was during her career at the State Board of Health, she was introduced by friends and co-workers to her future husband and love of her life Bill (William) Gough, who she married in May of 1962. For over 38 years the two enjoyed numerous adventures together, all centralized from their home on the West side of Indianapolis. The two loved entertaining and often had the home filled with friends where both displayed their cooking skills and Annabelle was the quintessential hostess. She loved telling the story of one gathering where late in the evening, a friend’s husband, who was a professional musician played “When The Saints Go Marching In” on his trumpet, as they all danced and paraded behind him in line going from the kitchen, through the living room, out the front door and back in through the garage while waiving at neighbors.

She and Bill loved auto racing and in 1963, began hosting friends from all over the country for month of May festivities which were capped off on Race weekend for the Indy 500. For over 50 years, they had over 40 tickets in the fourth turn.

Annabelle loved it when they traveled, especially out West and their yearly trips on vacation to Treasure Island, Florida. Their sanctuary on the beach was staying at the old Surf Motel. For over 30 years, they enjoyed vacationing with other returning guests who became lifelong friends.

Annabelle was a free and progressive thinker who was ahead of her time. This was especially true concerning social ideologies. Although outspoken, she was always willing to hear and discuss another viewpoint and willing to agree to disagree, or as she often put it, “we have reached an impasse, shall we table the conversation for another time” and then proceed to talk about other matters.

While young, Annabelle was adventurous and experienced a life many women of her time would not have dreamed of. Accompanied by dear girlfriends, including Helen, Joanne, Dorothy and others. She took many road trips and traveled throughout the country attending various events.

One of the most memorable stories she loved sharing was a trip which took place in the late 1950’s, when she and another friend drove Route 66. During a short stop in Arizona, she met an older Navaho gentleman, who introduced himself as a tribal Chief. He apparently had love at first sight and proposed to her soon after they met. Although many doubted the story, she still had the picture and ring he gave her to prove it! She enjoyed visiting family in Boston and on Cape Cod as well as friends in the mountains of rural Colorado. Annabelle frequently commented, she didn’t know why people wanted to travel to Europe and other Countries before they have seen and experienced the beauty of this one.

Annabelle was comfortable in many environments. While young, she always enjoyed attending dances and other events, especially at the Indiana Roof Ball Room and other venues where she loved dancing to big band music as well as attending sporting events. She may have enjoyed an occasional highball too. She was a sports lover and in addition to Indy Car racing, enjoyed attending and watching college football, especially the Purdue Boilermakers. (Well maybe not so much the past three seasons).

Annabelle loved family, and although she had no children herself, she considered her stepson and nieces and nephews as her own children. To her nieces and nephews, she was not only Godmother, but also a second mother. As loving as she was, she was quick to be stern and correct them when it involved family Middle Eastern cooking recipes. Annabelle also had a passion for Tab. She was extremely upset with Coca Cola Bottling when it was discontinued.

The last few years of Annabelle’s life were spent at the Heritage Woods Community in Noblesville, Indiana, where she was happy. She adored the numerous new friends she made, the experiences they shared and enjoyed the numerous social events and activities. As the true hostess she was, soon after moving in, she hosted dinner in her apartment for a small group of ladies she had become acquainted with and always kept a basket full of candy for all to enjoy outside her apartment. She also became a “Ruthless Bingo Player”, often bragging to family about her winning record and prizes.

Although known as the coupon queen and frugal, she was always very generous and quick to assist family and friends when needed. She also supported several charities. Among her favorites were: Doctors Without Borders, Boy’s Town, Numerous Veterans and Fallen First Responder Groups, Native American Charities, as well as those helping the visually impaired.

Annabelle was a proud lifetime member of St. George Orthodox Christian Church and while younger, loved volunteering and attending various church events, especially with family. She was a Lifetime Member of Eastern Star # 483.

Annabelle was proceeded in death by her husband of 38 years Wiliam (Bill) Gough, parents, Issac and Frieda George, Brothers Leo, Emory, Henry and James George and niece Karen George. She is survived by stepson Frank Gough, Nieces, Sandra Huter, Linda Denney, Sheila George Moyer, Jamise Kafoure and Barbara Huff, Nephews Leo (Jay) George, Gregory George and James George, sister-in-law Delores George. sister-in law Elizabeth George. She also had many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. George Orthodox Christian Church, 10748 E 116th St, Fishers, IN 46037

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 16th, from 10:30am to 12:30pm at Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park East (10722 E. Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46229). Funeral service will begin at 12:30pm, followed by burial at Washington Park East Cemetery.