Annabelle Auer

Annabelle (Sheets) Auer, 102, formerly of Columbia, PA, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Culpeper, VA. She had resided at Dogwood Village in Orange, VA, for the past two years. Born in Columbia on March 17, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Edna Mae (Murr) and George Dewey Sheets Sr. She was the wife of the late John Thomas “Mouse” Auer, with whom she shared nearly 50 years of marriage until his passing in 1996. Annabelle is survived by her daughter, Janice Marie Simmons, wife of Michael L. Simmons, of Fork Union, VA; grandchildren, Anna Elizabeth Fox, wife of Matthew T. Fox, of Amissville, VA, and Byron Auer Simmons of Bumpass, VA; and great-grandchildren, Maverick Bryce Fox and Levi Thomas Fox of Amissville, VA. She is also survived by two sisters, Mary Joanne Barr of Columbia, PA, and Bonnie Lee Rudisill, wife of Douglas Rudisill, of Mountville, PA. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her brother, George D. Sheets Jr., and sisters: Edna C. Sheets, Ethel M. Holtzinger, Emily E. Haberstroh, Rose A. Evans, and Janet M. Blumenschein. She was also a cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews. Annabelle was an accomplished seamstress who honed her skills at Tidy Products and Jewel Togs in Columbia. She later worked at Casual Corner in Lancaster, retiring in 1971. She enjoyed creating fashions for her daughter, friends, and relatives, expressing a uniquely imaginative creativity that made each piece distinctly her own. Her creativity extended well beyond her sewing. When not designing and making clothes, she was often called upon for her keen eye in home and garden design. Her impeccably manicured landscape was admired by all who saw it. A lifelong adventurer, Annabelle’s curiosity took her across the globe—from the beaches of Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific to the historic cities of Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Whether traveling with family and friends or setting out on her own, she embraced every opportunity for new experiences. She never missed a chance to support her granddaughter Anna at horse shows or cheer on her grandson Byron (“Briny”) at football and lacrosse games. Aside from gardening, sewing, and traveling, Annabelle enjoyed the company of her many friends and relatives, who cherished hearing her stories and sharing a cold beer with her. A Celebration of Annabelle’s Life will be held at Sheetz Funeral Home, Mount Joy, PA, at 12 PM. Interment will precede the service at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville, PA, at 10 AM. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Annabelle’s 102nd birthday at . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Her independence, creativity, and love of life will be remembered by all who knew her.

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Annabelle Auer

May 17, 1924 - March 23, 2026