On October 30, 1951, Ann married John Henry Burd in Crystal Beach, Ontario, Canada, and became the beloved daughter-in-law to Charles and Dorothy (née James) Burd, and sister-in-law to Phyllis (Leonard) Kilby, Robert (Gloria) Burd, Edward Burd, William “Bill” Burd, Grace Bath, Ellen Burd, Charles Burd, Betty Lu Culp, Isabelle Bentley, and Fred (Karrie) Burd.
Together John and Ann built a large and loving family, including eight children, twenty grandchildren, twenty-one great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. She raised her children in Ontario, Canada, New York state and New Jersey, before settling in Willow Springs, Mo., in 1973. Ann’s family includes: ● Daughter Cindi (Garry) Breidt, with grandchild Mindy Breidt with great-grandchildren Morgan Breidt and Connor Bennett; grandchild Carey (Nathan) Massey with great-grandchildren Keegan, Hunter, Hudson, and Alyssa Anne (Michael) Lowe, with great-great-grandchildren Aspen and Cypress. ● Late daughter Lynda (Tim) Roehl, with grandchild Dawn (Jeff) Brasier with great-grandchildren Jeffery Brasier and Miranda (Wilbert) Lynch, with great-great-grandchildren Jackson and Hailey, and grandchild Sharan (Matt) Gruendler with great-grandchildren Katie and Zack. ● Daughter Paula Simandl, with grandchildren Charles “Chuck” Simandl, Melanie Dillon, and James (Andrea) Simandl with great-grandchild Mya. ● Son John (Judy) Burd, with grandchild Lindsey (Micah) Forman with great-grandchildren, Jessalyn and Juliana; grandchild Alexandra Burd with great-grandchildren Evelyn and Luna; grandchild John Michael (Emmy) Burd with great-grandchildren John Isaac and Charlotte; and grandchild Anna Burd. ● Late son Thomas Burd (Jennifer) and grandson Ryan. ● Late daughter Pattie Collins, with grandchild Amy (Kenneth) Pace with great-grandchild Kenten; grandchild Renee Collins with great-grandchildren Brandon and Haylie; grandchild Joshua Collins with great-grandchildren Justin and Natalie. ● Son Robert (Janelle) Burd, with grandchildren Eric Burd, Dr. Kelsey Burd, and Sean Burd. ● Daughter Donna Balch, with grandchildren Brian W. Hunt and Travis Hunt.
In 1952, Ann traveled to Germany as a military spouse. She was an avid reader and gardener who enjoyed the sunshine moments. For many years, she volunteered at the local non-profit food bank and thrift store, MUNCH. In 1996, Ann participated in the Olympic torch relay. Ann worked for the U.S. Forest Service with her good friend Ruby Lowe for many years. Ann was always ready for a challenge and went sky diving at the age of 92, showcasing her adventurous spirit. Her sky diving story was featured on several TV news stations.
Ann lived a life marked by kindness and community involvement. Her spirit of generosity and commitment to her faith community will be deeply missed. A service to honor Ann’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on August 17, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 1050 W Bus Hwy 60-63, Willow Springs, MO 65793. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in memory of Ann.
