The heavenly gates have just opened up for a beautiful and gracious new angel named Annie Ruth Hurst. She had a remarkably long life of 101 years. Annie was an amazingly gifted lady who could do anything she set her mind to. She had the ability to make all those around her feel welcomed in her presence and remained strong-willed, sharp-witted, and generous to the end.Annie was born on May 31, 1915 in Blocton, Alabama to Andrew & Maude Vernon and was the fourth of their five children but was the last remaining member of her family. Along with her parents, Annie and her two children moved to Bakersfield in 1944. Annie was employed by Southern Bell in Birmingham, Alabama and transferred here where she was employed by Pacific Bell for the next 55 years and retired in 1970. She was an office supervisor and loved her "girls at the office". She met the love of her life and married Lonnie Hurst of Los Angeles on December 1, 1946 and they celebrated 28 years of marriage before his death in 1974. Both Annie and Lonnie were active members of Eastern Star Caledonia Chapter 391, and served as Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron. Annie went on to serve as Deputy Grand Matron in 1981. Both loved the Lord and were members of St. Mark's Methodist Church during their marriage.The most important thing in the world to Annie was her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie; her parents, Andrew and Maude Vernon; her brothers; A. D. Vernon, George Vernon, Travis Vernon; and sister Louise Sims.She is survived by her loving children, Connie Herndon (Jack) of Bakersfield, and Jim Hurst (Becky) of Texas. Grandchildren are John Herndon, Katie Delmore (Dan), Jeff Herndon (Ronda), all of Bakersfield; Jason Reeder, Eric Reeder (Mandy), all of Texas; 8 great-grandchildren; Ryan, Amy, Derek, Dane, Justin, Johnathon, Anna, and Alex; and 2 great-great-grandchildren; Abby and Bella, many nieces and nephews, and lots of friends.The family sincerely wants to thank all of the special caregivers who became like family during the last 8 years of our Mother's life at Lifehouse Bakersfield.Viewing will be at Hillcrest Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, on Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. All friends and family are invited to a celebration of her life on Sunday, Nov. 6 at 5:00 p.m. at Hodel's. There will be a private family burial to accommodate out of state family members.