The Ann Post Memorial Fund
is a memorial
fund set up in the name of one of our most beloved members. Ann
was, and always will be, the backbone of the Post-Polio BransonGoers
Support Group. She went on to be with our Lord on Tuesday, April 4,
2006 after a short battle with colon cancer.
This fund allows the
group to
assist individuals who have had Polio,
battling Post-Polio Syndrome (PPS), and are in financial despair, to
attend our annual Branson Reunion.
It also pays for travel and lodging for any guest speakers who have
elected to donate their time during the reunion to speak on such topics
as
psychological adjustment,
nutrition, exercise, durable medical equipment, braces and orthotics,
power chairs, scooters, and home modifications. And, lastly,
the Ann Post Memorial Fund helps to keep the annual registration fees as
low as possible.
Obituary: Ann Evelyn Keene
was born the middle child of Draper & Violet Keene on the 16th day of
June, 1942 in Levelland, TX. At the age of 4 she was stricken with polio,
and like the other polio victims, had her long blonde wavy curls cut off.
Her parents promised her that a piano would be waiting for her at home,
if she would get well. Ten days later, Ann went home and there was her
piano. She began taking lessons at the age of 6. She became a very
accomplished pianist and organist. Ann began playing the organ for all
services at the First Baptist Church in Levelland at the age of 13. Her
talent was phenomenal.
Ann idolized Roy Rogers. Anytime the kids would
play cowboys and Indians, Ann was Roy Rogers.
In 1960, she graduated from Levelland High School.
Shortly after graduation, she was married. She and her husband moved to
Albuquerque, N.M. In 1961, she gave birth to Judith Ann. The marriage did
not survive and she and Judith moved back to Levelland. For the next
eight years, they lived with her parents while Ann went to South Plains
College and then Texas Tech. She graduated with a Masters in Business
Education in 1969.
She and Judith then moved to Cisco, TX where Ann
taught at Cisco Jr. College. It was there that Ann met the love of her
life, Tom Post. It was love at first sight as she shared her talent
teaching him the piano. Tom and Ann were married on August 1, 1971. Soon
afterwards they moved to Smyer, TX. On August 24, 1978 Tom and Ann gave
their blessing for the marriage of their daughter, Judith to Paul Price. Tom and Ann later set roots in Stephenville, TX in
1981, where Judith and Paul soon followed. On March 15, 1986, Tom and Ann
were blessed with a beautiful granddaughter, Katrina LeAnn Price. Later,
on December 20, 1991, another precious granddaughter, Stephanie Danielle
Price, filled their hearts.
After 25 incredible years together, Tom and Ann
celebrated their anniversary in August 1996 with their family and dearest
of friends. The next year Ann was diagnosed with Post Polio Syndrome
(PPS). The next few years proved to be challenging, but both found
tremendous support from the Post Polio Bransongoers Group. Since 2000
they were co-moderators of the group; which met annually in Branson, MO.
for the PPS Survivors Reunion.
In 2002, after 21 years of teaching college at
Tarleton State University, Ann was forced to retire due to the Post Polio
Syndrome.
Ann had an unbelievable natural talent for music.
Her favorite things were writing music, playing the piano for all
occasions, collecting unicorns and music boxes. In recent years, she
enjoyed correspondence with the Branson PPS Group members and racing her
scooter! Her greatest treasures were her daughter, Judith and her husband
Paul, along with her precious granddaughters, Katy and Stephanie. Last,
but certainly not least, was her love for her husband, Tom. We all
believe that he was sent to her by God to fill her with happiness and he
vowed to take care of her for the rest of their lives. He fulfilled his
promise and she will be greatly missed by so many, though she leaves us
with a lifetime of heartfelt memories.
Ann was also survived by two brothers, Culby Ray
Keene & wife, Audie, Albuquerque, NM and Tommy Draper Keene & wife,
Molly, Lubbock, TX; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials and contributions
can be sent to Post-Polio BransonGoers Support Group, c/o Kathy Greulich,
453 U.S. Hwy. 160, Reeds Spring, MO 65737. You can also help by
purchasing any item advertised onthis website. By
doing this, you not only get what you want, but a percentage of the
proceeds go into the Memorial Fund. Or:
We also do a raffle drawing during our reunion. Items in the past
have included a scooter donated by
Access to
Independence, the company our member, Jim (Lame
Duck) Ellison works for; a wooden rocking horse made by our member,
Gleason Grimes; a child's wooden rocker made by our member David
Bridges and a beautiful cross-stitch by our member, Jaan Lill. You
may contact
Anita
Bjorling
for more information.
For more information on the Ann Post Memorial Fund, contact
Kathy Greulich.
These are just a few
of the many people who have crossed paths with Ann. The letters
below came from members of Post-Polio BransonGoers.
Since Tom, Ann, Charlie, and I met
in 2000, there’s been a special bond … a friendship … that seems so
natural. Charlie and I have been truly blessed to have known them.
I’ve known that Ann’s a special lady for years. So attentive to detail
and organized … she kept me on the straight and narrow for each reunion.
Until the past 3 weeks, I didn’t fully appreciate you, Ann. But your
attitude, acceptance, and peace while facing your transcendence to the
next level of our existence are truly inspirational.
I thank you for your friendship, guidance, and love. I’d really
appreciate your continuing to guide me after you’ve “gone north” and
“have a little more power”. But remember … don’t try to change me, ’cause
it AIN’T happenin’!
Love always…….
Charlie & Kathy Greulich
When I decided to go to Branson for the first time, it
was something I knew I should do and wanted to do, but I was very
apprehensive and scared of walking into a huge group of people as a total
stranger. When I first walked into the room, the first person to greet me
was Ann Post. She had a big smile and was so welcoming to me. She took
care of registration stuff with us and filled us in on what to do next.
She was patient and kind to us. Ann was the first person to make us feel
special. After that, there were many. But, Ann was the one who broke the
ice for us and made it easier for us to meet others. Wow. What a special
person that is to meet and greet. I guess Ann was placed at that table
for a reason. She was a natural in that position. I think she had her
little dog either in her lap or close by for sure!!!! Ann has a heart of
gold and was willing to share with us, complete strangers, and that was a
blessing to us. She made such a great impression on us all weekend that
we decided to come again. The rest is history
Tom was also a godsend to us.
Thanks, Ann, and Tom, for such a great first year in the PPS group.
The memories I have of you are your sweetness and your
thoughtfulness. You have done so much for our group that it would be
impossible for me to mention them all and besides I know that there is a
lot more that you have done that we all don't know about, but being who
you are you didn't look for recognition for all your hard work.
Thoughts of you bring to mind the love that you and Tom have for one
another. And oh how Tom loves you!!! You both are a wonderful example of
how we should all treat our spouses, even after so many years.
And of course there is your attack dog, Sugar! I would like to know how
you pulled that one off with the management of the hotel!
giggles...smiles...
Oh how Jack and I will miss you, but you’re going to be with Our Lord and
in time we will join you. There will be no more pain for you and, as the
bible says..."and the lame shall leap"...it's that wonderful?! Can you
just picture all the Bransongoers running and jumping around in heaven!!
hahaha...I think God will have to assign a few more angels to our group
to keep us under control with our new found freedom! Can you just picture
the angels running around, holding onto their halo's trying to keep up
with us?!!
What more can I say, except that we all love you so very much and you
will missed and never will be forgotten!! We will keep your Tom in our
thoughts and prayers and hopefully he will continue to come to Branson,
we love him as much as you!!
With Love in Our Lord, Jesus Christ
Jack and Toni
Isaiah 43:1...."fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by
name, you are mine."
P.S. Give Jesus a big hug for me!!...;-)))
(Toni & Jack Fenner)
I felt so drawn to Ann when introduced to her the first
time. I think somewhere in the Bible it says something about "like
spirits being drawn together."
Then too, post-polio folk have that special feeling for each other .....
I mean, we've really walked a mile in each other’s moccasins............
Ann, you leave a legacy that will be hard to top. I'm just glad for the
opportunity to have known you. YOU ARE SPECIAL.
In Christian Love,
Wilma Davisson
Ann, Janice and I met you the summer of 2004 and fell
in love with you and Tom because you both were very helpful and always
full of laughs.
We will miss your help at the reunion. Kathy will give it her best … but
we all know her best isn't as good as yours.
My memories of Ann are so many... and are all filled with
so much love. There is going to be a large gap in my world that will be
impossible to fill.
My last visit with Ann was in 2003 at the Branson
reunion. I had just finished packing and moving from Welland, Ontario to
Kitchener, Ontario... spent an entire day in the air traveling from
Buffalo to Seattle... and then a week driving from Seattle to Branson
with Jim. I had no real time to recover from any of this before I
arrived in Branson. I was so exhausted, I collapsed and broke down. I
will never forget standing at the gazebo railing the day of the reunion
picnic, bawling like a baby... and receiving so much love and support
from Ann. But that is who Ann is! So understanding, supportive,
loving... and there will be a large hole in our world without her.
I know that she is going to a better place... where she
will be able to run and play without pain. I also know that she will
live forever in our hearts and in our thoughts. But she will be truly
missed. Until we meet again.
Carol-Ann Normandin
Kitchener, Ontario
Ann & Tom, you are both very special to me.
The first thing I remember is meeting you at the very first Bransongoers
reunion ........... yes the one I only briefly stayed at. Actually I
stayed longer than I wanted to because the room was small and I got stuck
sitting in the corner and couldn't "run" out till other people moved.
When I attended reunion # 3, I walked in and you not only remembered me
you greeted me like a long lost (rich) relative! How special you made me
feel.
I have enjoyed being able to visit you in Stephenville, even though Ann,
you've not felt well when I've been there.
I will always think of you Ann when I use the EJ chair I got from you. I
will miss you but I will take comfort in knowing you will be well,
without pain, and waiting in heaven to greet each of us.
Thank you for being my friend. With my love and prayers.
Linda DeRyke
Ann has been an inspiration to me. She is a talented,
lovely woman and when I see her and Tom together, it makes my heart
smile. They love each other so much!
Ann has been absolutely wonderful about all the things she does for the
Branson group each year. She was very much missed at last year's reunion.
When Jaan and I were married at the Branson Reunion in '03, Ann and Tom
helped provide the music. Ann's playing was beautiful and Tom's voice,
even with sinusitis, was so moving. I was honored that they would do this
for us and be part of our special day.
Ann, I remember the very first Branson reunion. You and
Tom were the first couple I met and got to know. As I got to know you
better, I always thought it was amazing how much we had in common: our
love of music, the age difference between spouses, your sense of humor. I
always knew that when troubles came there would be open arms and hearts
ready to support Jim and I through any crisis. You made it just as fun to
share the good times with us as well.
When it came to setting up the "business" side of our annual
get-together, you quietly and efficiently set up the RSVP's, the address
lists, the name tag, goodie bags, and the hundreds of other details that
kept the reunion running so well. I don't think anyone in the early years
realized how much you did for the group. You are the glue that holds us
together. I am not ashamed to say that last year when you couldn't make
it to the reunion, it took 10 of us working together to get the job you
and Tom have done so well and so long and you still did all the
paperwork, nametags, address lists, and banking.
I have always thought of you as the peacemaker in the group. When you put
together a group of "Type A" personalities/ Polio survivors and their
sometimes crazed significant others, there are always times when somebody
has a melt-down. You were the one we came to. I still remember the year
of Millie and Jaan's wedding. Not only did you and Tom do all the 900 or
so jobs that needed to be done with the reunion, but you both worked on
music for the wedding and calmed the nerves of several members of the
wedding party (especially the dulcimer player!). You always took the time
to listen to anyone. Your advice was always practical and yet gently said
and always with a sense of humor. I will always cherish the love you so
freely offered to me.
I know that when the Good Lord calls you home, there will be a huge hole
in our hearts. I am proud to be part of your "Branson Family". I know you
will be waiting for us in heaven, probably keeping St. Peter organized at
the pearly gates, issuing our nametags and goodie bags! Godspeed and
remember that we love you.
Love always, Margie
Tom and Ann are great people and an inspiration to us all.
We are blessed to have known them.
Love,
Dick and Phyllis
I only signed on to the Branson Goers List a few months
ago. I have recommended it to several PPS friends. They, and I, were made
to feel immediately welcome! Tom and Ann wrote to me almost instantly
after I subscribed. I wrote that my husband and I hoped to meet them and
everyone in Branson in June. I think I sent a photo to Ann the very same
day they announced that she was so ill.
I was amazed to think she was welcoming me when she was experiencing so
much in her Life. We lost my husband's sister to colon cancer six years
ago and I knew how quickly things could happen.
I will continue to remember Ann and Tom in my prayers. I feel so
privileged to have met them through their List and shared getting to know
them at this time.
My best "polio-friend" died last year, I know she is waiting at the gates
of Heaven to welcome Ann.
Ode to Dear Ann Post
Linda Wheeler Donahue
Southbury, Connecticut
Ann made an indelible impression on me,
Her personality is so cheerful and warm;
Cordiality is her trademark, you see,
Eager to surround Ann, we all swarm.
Ann and music go hand in hand,
Her talent at the piano is well known,
Our sing-alongs could shine on “American Bandstand,”
I’m sure Dick Clark would label Ann a precious gemstone.
Radiance emanates from her being,
Especially when she is laughing out loud;
My confidence soared while singing,
With Ann’s support, the crowd we wowed.
Ann and Tom are a couple “joined at the hip”
Without the other, one cannot say just one name;
Though married long, they are still in courtship,
Always loving, these two never blame.
Ann Post will live forever in my heart.
A finer human being simply doesn’t exist.
No wonder she is Tom’s beloved Sweetheart;
These teachers’ love will forever persist.
Smart, clever, accomplished and bright,
Ann uses her intelligence to enhance the world;
She tackled the tasks of Branson with all her might.
We arrived like folded flags and left unfurled!
I believe
that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet
when our
wings have trouble remembering how to fly.
Ann, you
are that friend.
Father,
I ask You to bless my friends, Ann and Tom, whom I care deeply for.
Show
them a new revelation of Your love and power.
Holy
Spirit, I ask You to minister to their spirit at this very moment
as they
have ministered toward others.
Where
there is pain, give them Your peace and mercy.
Where
there is self-doubt, release a renewed confidence through Your grace.
Where
there is need, I ask You to fulfill their needs.
We joined the "SJU" e-mail
list and "talked" with other polio survivors who were also experiencing
post polio symptoms. In 1999, this group of people decided to meet for a
weekend in Branson, Mo. We met face to face for the first time with 17
polio survivors and spouses/supporters. Tom and Ann were among this
group.
All of us felt an
immediate bond - hugging, crying and sharing our stories. ,The
group decided to make this an annual event, and it has continued ever
since.
Tom and Ann have played a
big part in helping organize and coordinate these reunions. Ann, with
her computer skills, has done the registration - including name tags, a
list of participants, a calendar featuring birthdays and anniversaries,
and also a book of the Polio Survivors stories.
Ann has been a very
special friend and person to us. She has great leadership skills. She
had a general concern for others - gave encouragement to you and was not
afraid to "chew out" someone for not conserving or doing something to
help out your personal situation. We will miss her greatly.
Pat and Gleason
One thing that stood out about Ann is her
warm smile that greeted you each year. She always has a kind word and is
always willing to help when she can.
In one of our support meetings several
years ago, I was trying so very hard to come to terms with Post Polio. I
had just gotten my scooter and was fighting using it -- as a lot of us
do. In our survivors’ meeting at the Post-Polio reunion that year, Ann
talked to me about how the scooter would help me do more things and that
I did not have to use it all the time but use it when I go places.
Ann has meant so much to me and this
group from the beginning. She will truly be missed.
Linda Booth
I have been up
reading and praying for
Ann and her family and her extended family,
too. They are one of the most remarkable families I have ever met. They
are accepting death in the way it is meant to be, but we seldom see or
hear of the acceptance, in the manner we should do.
Just thinking of a few
sayings tonight.........
It's not what you gather, but
what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.
- Helen Walton
Those who bring sunshine to
the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.
- James Barrie
When you were born, you were
crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life so, at the end, you're the one who’s smiling and everyone
around you is crying.
Don't count the years – count
the memories.
I remember the first time I
met Tom and Ann. I thought “She has to be a school teacher because
teachers are the most organized people I know.” Then when I found out
that she and Tom both taught school; I knew that was where all that
organization came from. :)
I am glad they retired and
had these last months together. I never see a bright flowered shirt in
stores that I don't think of Tom!
I've been kept up to date
by my mom and I know that people are sending written memories and loving
thoughts of Ann. When I think of her, or of you, I think of the
other, and the best way that I know how to communicate that love is with
photos. Please send her my love and blessings for her journey.
Sorry we live too far away.. but will be
there in spirit...
It is hard to say we are glad its all over and then not so hard ....
If only we could have attended more Bransons....
Loads of love to Tom... I shall never forget calling him on our Wedding
Day and his wonderful joyous voice as he congratulated us....
Hilary Boone
Tom
Thanks so much for your help during this sad time
for you. I want you to know that I think you and Ann must have had
something very special in order to go through this with so much courage
and support and love. I will be thinking about you on Saturday. I
pray you get some rest as well. God Bless.
Judy
Eades
Dear Tom..
I know that no words can say what need to be said just now. My
heart aches for you and your family. I so appreciate all the updates you
and Kathy have sent. They spoke of so much love and tenderness! And
faith, and yes, joy--in spite of all that was happening..
I'm asking God that He comforts you in a truly
wonderful way.. and that He helps you to get the rest you so desperately
need now.
Ann went home to be with Jesus at 5:30 AM today,
April 4, 2006. Her memorial service will be on Saturday, April 8,
at 11:00 AM, Valley Grove Baptist Church in Stephenville, TX. Ann
requested that all who attended her service wear bright, cheerful attire.
This will be a celebration of her life. She has chosen to be
cremated.
Those of you that can make the service, please let
me know so I can have the church prepare enough food for everyone.
Thank you for your prayers and love,
Tom
These are photos of Ann and
Tom and their loving family taken in March, 2006.
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