Ann Woods Garrett, born June 18, 1942 in Kansas City, Missouri, died peacefully in her home November 27, 2012 at the age of 70.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Benton and Vera Mae Summers, a brother, Benton Summers Jr. and her nephew, Michael Benton Collins.
She is survived by her sister, Jane Collins of West Plains, her niece, Sarah Jane Howerton and husband Scott of McCall, ID, a great-niece, Molly Beth Collins and a great-nephew, Bryant Dean Collins, both of West Plains and several cousins.
Ann grew up in Camarillo, CA and graduated from Adolfo Camarillo High School in 1960. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, MO and the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA where she received her degree in elementary education in 1964.
Ann taught elementary school for 37 years in California, Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma and Missouri. She ended her career in 2002 after nearly twenty years of teaching third grade at South Fork Elementary School in West Plains.
She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church. She served as treasurer for many years for the local chapter of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. She held several offices, including president, of XI Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma. Ann loved visiting with her friends, gardening, cooking, reading and especially playing bridge.
Ann loved to travel and was always ready to take the next trip. Her travels took her to 5 continents and all fifty states. She especially enjoyed chaperoning several West Plains High School Concert Choir overseas tours and going on mission trips with her church. She cooked for many of the Jamaica mission trips and had many stories to tell about getting food through Jamaican customs and purchasing food while in Jamaica. She was so disappointed when her health no longer allowed her to make these trips.
Arrangements are being handled by Carter Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held, Friday, Nov, 30th at 4:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church. Private graveside services will be held at a later date in the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Warrensburg, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jamaica Mission Trips of the First United Methodist Church or Whetstone Boys Ranch of Mt View, MO.
November 28, 2012 @ 3:41 pm
Ann was an amazing lady. She always had a beautiful smile and enjoyed helping others. She will be missed greatly.
November 28, 2012 @ 7:02 pm
Our son Joseph Keck had Ms. Garrett for a teacher when he was young. He attended SouthFolk Elementary School. I remember how well he liked her and spoke fondly of her. I’m sure she is one of the many wonderful teachers that made him the beautiful grown-up he is today.
She will be missed.
Our prayers go out to her family.
November 29, 2012 @ 7:59 am
Ann Garrett was not only a fellow colleague who taught next door to me for many years at South Fork, but she was also my dear friend and mentor. We shared many good times together and she will always hold a very special place in my heart. Although God has called one of His children home, He leaves many precious memories of Ann to fill the void of her loss. My deepest sympathy is extended to her family. Margrett Taylor
November 29, 2012 @ 9:47 am
Jane and family, May the Lord help you all through the pain of Ann going home to be with him and the rest of the family. Ann was such a sweet kind lady, and those that grew up with her will feel the loss and treasure her memory, no matter how long it had been since last seeing her, as will all others who’s lives she touched. Blessings to you all.
November 29, 2012 @ 12:28 pm
Mrs. Garrett was my third grade teacher. I remember her as a no nonsense teacher. Even the most unruly child could be stopped in their tracks with just one look. As an adult, I was able to reconnect with her through First United Methodist Church. She had the most infectious laugh. I would find myself laughing and smiling right along with her. She will be dearly missed. My deepest sympathies to your family.
December 3, 2012 @ 11:02 am
I would like to extend my sympathies and prayers to the family of Ann; she was a remarkable lady, and I felt very privileged to have known her.