Annette was a loving and doting mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She transitioned to heaven to be with our Lord on July 7, 2025.

She was born to Woody and Nellie Staden on February 21, 1937 in Fort Riley, Kansas. She resided in the Lawrence and Topeka area to raise her family. Annette was married to James Hamm and they had 4 children together (Valarie, Rhonda, D’arcy, Lance). She later had a son by Butch Carper (Eric).

Annette moved to Denver with her second husband, Robert, in 1978. While in Denver, she worked at Rose Medical Center for 30 years and she retired in 2008.

In 2008, Annette returned to Topeka, Kansas to be closer to her sisters and other family.

Annette loved spending time with her family and friends. Over the years, she affectionately became known as the “elephant lady” as she had a large and unique collection of elephants. She enjoyed elephants because she said they represented strength and good luck.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Valerie, her siblings Leon, Billy and Joyce and her children-in-laws Janna and Earl.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Rhonda Wakefield (Joseph), D’arcy Dawson (Leo Jr.), Lance Hamm (Christine) and Eric Hamm, 21 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, her siblings (Donald, Ronald, Gloria and Leona) and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She will be missed dearly.