Anna Elizabeth Kluth

         Anna Elizabeth Kluth, age 97, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2020 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO after a brief illness. She was born Anna Elizabeth Wilson on April 10, 1923 in Great Bend, KS to William Wilson and May Seeber Wilson.

     Ann graduated from Great Bend High School in 1941.  She worked for a time in Chicago, IL and Wichita, KS, and it was in Wichita that she and Frank C. Kluth were married on April 5, 1948.  They made their home in Nevada, MO for the next 55 years where Frank worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad while Ann maintained their family life.  In late 2003, they moved to Springfield, MO to be closer to family.   Frank passed away in January 2004.

     In Nevada, Ann was very active in St. Mary’s Catholic Church and St. Mary’s School PTA, Altar Society, Daughters of Isabella, was a Meals on Wheels driver for 25 years, as well as a life member of Beta Sigma Phi.

      She faithfully walked 3 miles per day for many years with a variety of special friends.  In Springfield, she was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church where she particularly enjoyed knitting baby items and prayer shawls for those in need.  For years, she always had a jigsaw puzzle underway which she said was her method of relaxation.  She was an avid reader of fine mysteries, and spent much time via email and telephone staying connected with family and friends.

      Survivors are her daughter Marcia Kluth Ratcliff and husband John Ratcliff, Jr., Springfield, MO; son, Robert Kluth and wife Amy, Neosho, MO; granddaughter Kristen Ratcliff McGovern and husband Ryan, Severna Park, MD; grandson Andrew Ratcliff and wife Kathleen, Greenwood, IN; granddaughters Mackenzie Kluth and Megan Kluth, Neosho, MO; great-granddaughter Olivia Ann McGovern and great-grandson Benjamin Bryson McGovern, Severna Park, MD; one sister-in-law Shirley Kluth, Grand Junction, CO; and several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her husband Frank, her parents, her sisters Opal and Mildred, brother George and all their spouses.  All six of her husband’s siblings and their spouses, but one, also predeceased her.

     The family especially acknowledges and thanks the Meals on Wheels program and Home Instead Senior Care for their ongoing help that allowed Ann to continue living in her own home as she so fiercely wanted to do.  In this environment, she remained coronavirus free which was a great comfort.

     A Private Family Committal Service will be held at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.   Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 330 N. Main St., Nevada, MO or your local Meals on Wheels.

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