Ann W. Kunkle

1946 - 2016

Ann West (Hay) Kunkle, 69, of New Florence, has gone to be with God Monday, March 21, 2016, at Excela Latrobe Hospital. She was born Dec. 1, 1946, in Wilkinsburg, a daughter of the late James Gould and Anna Helen Hay. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, James Hay; and a stepfather, Alex Kosanovich. Ann was a graduate of Duquesne University School of Education. She taught in Edgewood, Panama and Kentucky. Ann founded a school for learning disabled children called "Learning in My Own Way" in Ligonier. She also founded the Latrobe chapter of CHADD. She was a board member of the Ligonier Valley YMCA for many years, a board member of the Touchstone Center for the Crafts in Farmington and a board member and former teacher at the Woodbridge Preschool in Rector. She was a member of Christ United Church of Christ in Latrobe. Ann was a talented precious metal artist specializing in gold and silver reproductions of the pre-Columbian huacas of the Carib Indians that lived in the Panamanian Isthmus. Ann's greatest pleasure were those of the life that her God allowed her to live: her children and grandchildren, the bread she baked, the Bluebirds that she counted the days to their fledging, learning to cut timber frames, photographing the glistening orb of a spider in the morning dew or the sparks from a blacksmith's hammer, the smell that waft as the maple syrup rendered up its delicate aroma, "God talking to her" as the sun's rays shined through a broken cloud, the borning cry of a baby goat, the first columbine of May or the daisy she spotted along the side of the road, these were all the things that made Ann's heart sing. The fullness of Ann's love was unlimited. Ann was the loving wife of Dr. Richard F. Kunkle for 47 glorious years. She was the devoted mother of Erik William (Loretta Lynn) Kunkle, of New Florence, and Rebecca Ann Hay Kunkle (Michael John) Tulenko, of Midland, Texas. She was the doting Nana of Jordan and Cameron Kunkle, Lily, Michael, Toby, and Hank Tulenko. She was the consummate friend of her two sisters-in-law, Karen Hay and Linda Kunkle Capp; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the J. PAUL McCRACKEN FUNERAL CHAPEL INC., 144 East Main St., Ligonier, where Ann's life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, with her pastor, the Rev. Cindy Parker, officiating. Ann will be laid to rest on the family farm following the service.
Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made in Ann's memory to the charity of one's choice. To sign the online guestbook or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jpaulmccrackenfuneralchapel.com.