Ann Dannelly, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and friend, died June 9, 2025, doing what she loved most — enjoying life and the warmth of the sun.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, June 19, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church in Columbus with Rev. Keunsik Lee officiating.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Gass Haney Funeral Home.

Ann was born on May 30th, 1959, to Frank Robert (Bob) and Shirley Jesse. She was raised on the family ranch, where she developed a lifelong love for horseback riding and a special connection with her horses. Ann found peace and joy in nature and could often be found outside soaking up the sunshine. Ann was also a talented artist and crafter and was skilled in all things creative.

Ann graduated from Alliance High School in 1977 & attended Chadron State after high school. Over the years, she worked for a potato farmer, served as a receptionist at a pediatrician's office and the Columbus Hospital Emergency Room, and later found joy working at Kelly & Crown Jewelry — one of her favorite roles, thanks to her love for beautiful things.

Ann was a devoted mother to her two children, Brandon and Bethany. She first married Dean Baker, with whom she welcomed her son Brandon. She later married Kirk Nelson, and together they had a daughter, Bethany. On August 9, 2004, Ann married the love of her life, Dana Dannelly in one of their favorite places, Okoboji, and gained four stepchildren: Miles, Colby, Lindsay, and Nicolette.

Ann's greatest joy in life came from being a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren deeply and was known for being incredibly thoughtful, generous, and — hands down — the best gift giver. Ann cared for and loved her friends & their children deeply and had a special place in her heart for welcoming her children's friends into the family. Her heart extended to her pets as well, all of whom she spoiled with the same love and care.

She had an adventurous spirit and a deep love for the beach and water.

Ann is survived by -

Her loving husband, Dana Dannelly of Columbus, Ne.
Her children, Brandon (Lisa) Baker and their children, Dean & Edward; of Columbus, Ne
Bethany Nelson (Patrick Holm) of Omaha, Ne.
Stepchildren, Miles (Katie) Dannelly and their children, Lane & Mack of Genoa, Ne.
Colby (Megan) Dannelly and daughter Kara of Genoa, Ne.
Lindsay (Brent) Foxhoven and their children, Ollie & Pierce of Fremont, Ne.
Nicolette (Tyler) Coble and their children, Ronan & Vaeda of Platte Center, Ne.
Her mother, Shirley Jesse; her brother, Chris Jesse (Kristy) and his children, Nicolas & Natalie of Rawlins, WY.

Ann was preceded in death by her father, Bob Jesse, and an unborn child