Ann Speaker (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Mary Ann Speaker departed this earthly life on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, in St. John’s Hospital, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-six years, eleven months, and eighteen days.
She was born to Willis L. Clouse and Bessie L. (Pyles) Clouse, on October 23, 1924, in Lebanon, Missouri.
On March 28, 1970, she was united in marriage to Edwin Thomas “Tom” Speaker, and they enjoyed forty-one years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a half-brother, Henry Clouse, and his wife, Dolores.
Ann is survived by her husband, Tom, of the home; a sister-in-law, Lena England, and her children, Ginger Esther, and her husband, Brian, and their children, Hayley and Cody, Dana Bishop, and her husband, Darrel, and their children, Blake and Brice; a brother-in-law, Ted Speaker, and his wife, Edna, and their children, Kerry North, and her husband, Johnny, and their children, Cory and Wesley; a nephew, Todd Speaker; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She lived her entire life in Lebanon, Missouri, and graduated from Lebanon High School, where she was a member of the band, the Glee Club, and the girl’s drum corps. After graduating, she immediately was employed by the State Division of Welfare, now known as Family Support Division, and held that position for twenty-eight years. After she and Tom were married, she worked for several years as a bookkeeper, along with her husband, in the Speaker Propane Gas business. For the last several years, she and Tom had enjoyed their retirement.
Ann became a member of First Baptist Church at the age of twelve. She served in various capacities throughout the years, including President of the Women’s Missionary Union, Chairman of several Circle Groups, and as Superintendent of the Junior and Intermediate Sunday School Departments at one time. The church activity that brought Ann the greatest joy was being a member of the choir, where she served as soloist for many years. (Ann selected the music she wanted for her service today.) She was also involved in the church Easter pageants, and was a member of the very first Hand Bell Choir.
She belonged to the Green Thumb Garden Club, and loved flowers, especially roses, and she and Tom had a lovely rose garden for a number of years.
Ann was a loving wife, and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that she will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
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