Eleanor Ann Nethery was born in 1948 and moved to Holland in 1973. Ann studied at Lansing Community College, Westminster Choir College and earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Hope College. A former public school teacher, she served several churches in West Michigan, was a member of First Presbyterian Church. A handbell and handchime ringer, Ann served as Handbell Director at First United Methodist Church of Holland in 1993 and became the Director of Music in 1995. In addition to directing two existing handbell choirs and a singing choir and being responsible for three other singing choirs; she founded three additional ringing choirs and two singing choirs. Ann also organized and directed the annual Tulip Time Handbell Concert and Christmas Kaleidoscope Concert for 8 years.

With her powerful voice, Ann played the part of Dinah in the sold out 1994 performances of “The Choice.” Singing the thoughts of Jesus in the garden the night before the crucifixion “Thy Will, Not My Will” was the beginning of her musical partnership with Howard Gould, who played the part of Jesus. In March 1995, with the help of her partner, the handbell duet ensemble Soliloquy was created. Ann and Howard spread their musical ministry through Soliloquy providing special music to churches in West Michigan and Illinois. They developed a popular handbell educational program for elementary and middle schools which was well received throughout Michigan.

Ann not only served the church but also her community. As a guest performer, Ann brought the house to their feet with a standing ovation at every performance singing “Climb Every Mountain” in the role of Mother Superior for the Holland High School production of “The Sound of Music.”

Ann was a member of The American Guild of Organists, The Presbyterian Association of Musicians, The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music, and Other Arts, and The American Guild of English Handbell Ringers (AGEHR). She served on the AGEHR Area V Board as the Michigan State Chair and was the Site-Chairman for the 1997 Area V Festival/Conference.

Ann’s untimely death in 2001, silenced an incredible voice, 18 years of handbell and handchime ringing, a dedicated teacher, musical partner, and caring friend.