Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1945
DIED
2014
Ann Anderson Obituary
September 22, 1945 - March 1, 2014
Ann Kiemel Anderson was born September 22, 1945 in Little Rock, AR. She leaves behind four sons: Taylor, Brock, Colson, and Brandt. She also leaves a daughter in law Jasmine, and a grandchild Colben; the joy of her life. Additionally her identical twin Sister Jan, her husband Tom, and their three sons: Tre, Nash, and Christian. Early on she obtained a bachelor's from Northwestern Nazarene University. She was a teacher, a Dean of Women, and a woman who dreamt big. She wanted to change the world, and she did. Authoring 18 books that collectively sold over 28,000,000 copies, running marathons, including 2 Boston's, speaking to thousands; she was bigger than life. She was beautiful, humble, generous, and deeply loved. She was caring and loving towards everyone she met along the way. The world has lost one of its greatest life changers. "You and I, and God, and Love, can change the world; You watch, You wait, You'll see." -Ann Kiemel Anderson. Her Memorial service will be held at Bear Creek Community Church in Lodi, California at 2 p.m. on Saturday afternoon on March 8th, 2014.
www.cvobituaries.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ann Anderson
Judy Lindsey
February 15, 2026
I remember Ann´s books she wrote when adopting her son´s. I had much gone through the fertility struggles she did. A friend that had recently adopted a son shared her books with me. They were such an encouragement. I loved how everything was in lower case letters except Jesus
Janet
October 18, 2025
This past year I have been meeting many young women hoping to get married. They cling to me with hope since I didn't get married until I was 35. I was trying to remember what steadied me during my 30s and remembered it was Ann's book "I Gave God Time". I must have read that every year until the right guy finally proposed! Then her next book about adoption was a comfort to my sister, and I'm grateful for both of them. Those memories led me to the internet to find out she has had more adventures, not all of them fun, in the remaining years of her life, but now she is with the Lord she loved, and who loved her so well. Many lessons learned, bringing hope to all whose paths she crossed. The mail yesterday just delivered Seduced by Success which I will enjoy reading this fall. Now that we're older we have a great perspective on life and its realities. We must cling to the cross of Jesus, for He alone is worthy of our devotion and authenticity. Praise God He gave each of us Ann when He did. I'm praying for her sons to know her heart will forever be with yours. Her God will be your God, guiding your ways.
Karen Wood
February 28, 2025
What a great lady
When I was in Pasadena College and she lived close she spoke in chapel I remember she shared Yes Lord was first thing she´d say in the morning
What a wonderful way to start a day
Jann Kurrasch
October 15, 2024
I was so moved by Ann`s book that I wrote her a note about it. But my extreme shock came when I received a note back from her. I still remember how she signed off with, "May God`s love cover your whole sky."
I use that in my notes today. It´s just such a beautiful word picture.
May God´s love color all your skies!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Shelley Holderman
June 1, 2024
I also grew up reading and learning about Jesus from Ann. I too, was inspired to change my world. I´m 64 now and still want to make a difference. Thank you, Ann. I can´t wait to meet you in Heaven!
Susan McDonald
April 15, 2024
In 1992, I heard about Ann, and I wrote to her. She sent me the bookI I'm out to change my World and signed it. She put Psalm 91 on it. I have held that Psalm close ever since. I pulled the book off the shelf today, April 15, 2024, and googled her name. I didn't realize she passed. She was instrumental in leading me to Jesus. After all these years, I still have the book and weep at her calling me a "dreamer," as I was out to change my world, too. I look forward to walking with her in Heaven and spending eternity worshipping Jesus with her. Susan Ellis McDonald, Summerville, SC
Joan Bloomberg
March 2, 2024
I have been waking the last few mornings singing, "All I had to offer Him was brokenness and strife, And He made something beautiful of my life!" So thankful to Ann so many years ago in college for this song and evidence that God is real. That God cares. Thank you. Grateful.
elizabeth Araluce mason
February 29, 2024
I was just thinking about Ann the other day. There was no one like her-such a visionary and a "spreader" of God's love. The world owes a huge debt to her. She had many obstacles in life, but hung in there and conquered all. I love you Ann. I know a bit about heaven and I am sure that you are leading a glorious life with our Lord.
Karen Wood
February 29, 2024
I was a student at Pasadena College when I heard Ann speak in chapel
What an inspiration
I later bought a cassette tape and love it
What a great loss
For over 24 years I have pastored in San Pedro but every time I am at Long Beach First Church of the Nazarene for district gatherings I wonder where all those young people she worked with ended up
They were blessed to have her
Pastor Karen Wood
Steve Reynolds
July 17, 2023
Ann...discovered your writings during college...thanks! You and Jesus are now face-to-face...
Mariana Whitaker
May 11, 2023
Ann was a precious , loving, caring person who I will always remember. It was a gift from God to allow me to meet and befriend Ann.
Elizabeth Mason
February 28, 2023
Ann was precious and so encouraging to me. The world lost a dear soul..
Evelyn King
May 28, 2022
I awoke last night with Ann's name and the name of her book, I Am Out to Change My World, on my mind. I had not thought about her in years but mentioned her book at Bible Study on Tuesday and how it had changed my life in 1974 when I impulsively bought it at a book fair. Then it changed my mother's and my Aunt and Uncle's lives as we all became on fire for Jesus and our place in changing the world for the better. I am saddened to learn of her passing and the suffering she endured. I will always be grateful for the mark she left on my left. I pray she is sitting at the feet of Jesus soaking in His unconditional love and being soaked in His Peace.
Debbie Fitrakis
October 14, 2021
I just learned that Ann passed. I am so sorry! She was an inspiration to as teenager and as a teacher! She changed my world! Thank you! I´ll see you in Heaven!
Susan Fleming
September 13, 2021
I first heard Ann speak when I was a student at Oral Roberts University in1978 and her message changed my world! I bought and read all her books since that time and was inspired by each one! I was single until I was 40 and longed for children as she did, so her journey was especially inspiring to me. I appreciated her daring to dream big, and her genuineness in sharing her heart. Her capacity to love is amazing, and she lived a phenomenal life... may her legacy live on through all those whose lives she touched, including mine...
May 13, 2021
Ann inspired me the moment I was introduced to her book. Being a brand new Christian she helped me to see I was now
on a real adventure with a very big God! She showed me how to be genuine, to be me in Christ. Thank you Ann.
Linda Reid
April 16, 2021
Anne Kimnel touched my life through her books. She talked about living Jesus and loving others and dreaming big dreams. I was sad to hear of her death. She did change the world. I was sorry to hear of all the suffering she had been through. I'm glad she was mother to four wonderful sons she put a fire in me to want to help others. I know she is in heaven in the presence of Jesus her Lord.
Patsy Buckhaus Cole
March 27, 2021
I just found out Ann passed away. There was no one like her. Her message and life were so simply lived & affected so many. Years ago I travelled in a Christian female band called Living Water that had the privilege of singing before Ann spoke on several occasions. We had her join us for a BBQ while attending a conference in Estes Park, CO. So easy to be with. I still have her books...I want to keep her inspiring message going in my life.
Lynne Wilford
March 24, 2021
Ann blessed my life so many times through her books and I had cassette tapes of her speaking. I was just now rereading some of her books, sharing quotes to loved ones going through very tough times, and being built up myself in faith and challenged to share my faith more readily and confidently. May God bless all her family so abundantly. Though I never met you, I love you and pray God will continue to comfort you and use you for His glory!! I've lived in 6 states since I heard Ann speak in NE and I've packed her books along all these years!!!! Lynne Wilford
Anita Kelly
January 23, 2021
I just found out that Ann had passed away! I remember meeting Ann when I lived in Mesa Arizona when I was 16 years old. I got her book and it changed my life. She was a beautiful person inside and out. She is with the Lord now!
Janelle Fiske
October 17, 2020
My family has never met Ann, but we were fortunate to be given her book in a box of loved books from a child who had outgrown them. We were touched by her story and wrote a note to the address she provided at the end of the story. Today the letter was returned in the mail, but that lead me to finding Ann’s beautiful obituary, of which we were grateful to read. To Ann’s family: Ann seemed like an amazing lady who continues to touch the lives of strangers even still today.
Judith Campbell-Rootes
September 21, 2020
I never knew Ann passed away until yesterday! Happy Birthday Ann! Ann profoundly impacted everyone she came in contact with,with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We need to follow in Ann's footsteps & go & do likewise!!!
Debbie Hillyer
September 19, 2020
She changed my life...so grateful for her life, the way she loved God...and people.
May 2, 2020
Thanks for serving and honoring our Lord Jesus.
Neta Shumaker Knepp
March 9, 2015
So sorry to hear of Ann's death
I think of her often,she had done so much for me. I will miss her and always love her.
Brock Kiemel
January 20, 2015
Reading these comments warms my heart. I miss my mom so much. Thank you all for sharing your memories. I only hope i can do half the good she did in this world.
J
December 30, 2014
Ann wrote a devotional reading on trust that I read for first time today in my ©1990 women's devotional bible. Googled her to learn more about her writings and perhaps send her a note of gratitude for her resonating message. So for any family/friends reading, know today her light shines brightly to my corner of this world. Peace
Kathy Fleck
September 13, 2014
I miss Ann so much. We corresponded over the years and she has forever left an etching in my soul that will never be forgotten.She was soo inspirational and so very humble. I love you Ann....
Now I'm out ot change my world!
Evelyn McKinnon
September 11, 2014
I was a sad awkward broken girl who came from a broken home, until one day someone placed a book in my hand titled, Hi I'm Ann, and the light of Jesus was introduced to me through a rare precious gem called Ann Kiemel. I read every book she had written and world changed. I went to hear her speak in NC in a dark auditorium and afterwards I ran out to the table to greet her with a bag of jelly beans and a hug. She sent me a postcard to say thanks. You say she changed the world...and you are right, she did in nobody like me and introduced me to my Jesus. I will never forget you Ann. One day I will come tap you on the shoulder in heaven with a bag of jelly beans.
Kathryn Thuma
September 1, 2014
Ann was such an inspiration and example to me of real faith in the midst of the gritty circumstances of life. I remember her audacious singing of little songs to complete strangers. I'm singing one now to you. If you sing one back, I'll hear it in my heart.
Val Tracy
August 28, 2014
Ann inspired several years ago when I heard her speak in Lenox Ma. She is now whole.
God bless all of you!
Ceci Taylor
August 1, 2014
A great inspiration. I miss her!
Cindy Damschen
August 1, 2014
Her books helped me thru high school and I felt god talking when reading her other books. I will miss her but she led her life in wanting to change the world and she did it!
Cindy Damschen (Wa)
Lynn Jones
July 30, 2014
Ann inspired me as a young girl growing up in Southern CA. I first heard Ann speak at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. I was mesmerized by the songs she sang to us which she would sing to complete strangers in her every day life . Ann unwittingly influenced me to become an English teacher, author and speaker myself so I thank her for her mentor ship. I have been amazed at all she has done and her perseverance. I wrote to Ann once in an email and she responded. I know she is enjoying heaven and skipping and dancing for joy. She surely was an icon for so many!
Gloria White
July 10, 2014
I will never forget ann speaking in chapel at NNC and her contagious love for The Lord. I followed her life journey for many years and treasured her books. Her legacy stretches further than can be measured. My sympathy to her family...
Virginia Waddle
July 10, 2014
I first met Ann and Jan when her father and mother came to McMinnville, OR and held revival services for us. I was fascinated by how identical they looked.
Then I lost contact with them and several years later heard Ann speak about changing your world, etc. Then I was sad to find out later that she went through some really rough times, but then rejoiced that she had come back to a closer walk with the Lord. I heard her speak again at our women's conference in CA and learned she was married and had adopted boys. Wow! what a challenge.
Little did I know that we would be blessed with our own identical twins, our daughters twins.
My condolences to all. Ann was a great Christian woman.
Donald Simmons
July 5, 2014
I was a year behind Ann at NNC but didn't know her at that time. I spoke with her in the summer of '71 when I was on an internship assistant pastorate in So. Cal. She was very friendly and helpful in my request for advice by phone. I have several of her books which I will treasure. My prayers to her family, we all will miss her.
Elizabeth Araluce Mason
July 3, 2014
Ann was so precious and she "fought the good fight" no matter what obstacles were thrown at her. I got to meet her in 1984 and she was so encouraging, as I was in my thirties and not husband was in sight. I wrote Ann when my daughter was very little, to tell her I was happily married. Ann was such a treasure, there will never be another Ann and I know that she is laughing with the Lord right now and sending guidance from above to the sons she loved so dearly. Enjoy your new life Ann, I love you and will never forget you....
Linda O
May 6, 2014
One of Jan's 3rd graders from way back when. Ann came to visit our class once. She was so nice. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing.
Mary Ebb
April 30, 2014
I heard Ann speak at a small church in Corvallis, OR in around 1977. I was inspired by her life. Her simple faith made a real impression on me. I am so sorry for your loss.
Betty Boss
April 2, 2014
Ann came to my church in New Zealand in the 1980's she was so inspiring she had a great impact on many lives, and Yes, she is still remembered. I recently found one of Ann's books and have shared it with the ladies in my bible study group. Lovely lady, Thankyou for your inspirational message you left us in the 1980's
Val Tracy
April 2, 2014
I was just searching to see what was happening with Ann,after many years. I was shocked but happy that she was now with the Lord. She watched,waited and now she sees. I heard her speak I n 1981 in Lenox Massachusetts. She had just married. So special a lady. God bless her children and grandchildren. She is okay and may that bring comfort. Thank you Ann for being authentic and reaching all ages for Christ.love you.
Karen Wylie
March 11, 2014
What can I say about Ann and her influence on her friends, her family, and her church? I have known her since we played together at her Grandmother Nash's house in Winfield, KS in the fifties. Later I was blessed by her life and her books. I have been praying for her boys that they will focus on Jesus and heaven,and meet their mother over there. What a beautiful Christian woman! I loved her!
Betty Beckum
March 10, 2014
Jan, please forgive the mistake in the previous message accept our deepest condolences. We also appreciated Ann's inspirational books and messages.
Wes Sullivan
March 10, 2014
Good start on "changing your world." Let's continue.
Sue Cannata
March 8, 2014
I remember Ann well ,when she adopted her first child Taylor. I have often wondered where she was. So very sorry to hear this news. She and her parents were well loved by me.
Jim Winfrey
March 8, 2014
I can still remember in a packed auditorium of thousands of people, "Hi, I'm Ann". I believe it was 1972 in Florida. I bought a tape and listen to it over and over. What a wonderful lady and the lives that she has touched. She will always be remembered for her love of God and for his people; even the least.
Debbi Perkins
March 8, 2014
Knowing Ann has had a profound influence in my life and I thank God for all He did through her! My love and prayers are with you today.
Kathy Fleck
March 7, 2014
I met Ann many years ago and i have always appreciated her simple yet profound way of sharing the love of Jesus with eveyone she met. She was a wonderful, kind, compassionate woman who did change her world. I pray for her family during this time of sadness. Thank you for allowing me to share in this life celebration......
Dick Mottram
March 7, 2014
Remembering the twins Ann & Jan in college. The influence that Ann has had around the world has been an encouragement to thousands of other people.
Sharan Perkins Porr
March 7, 2014
My prayers have been with Ann's extended family this past week. She was an amazing lady. We have honored Ann with our March, 2014 "Author of the Month" bulletin board and display at the Betty Waller Library of Boise First Nazarene. Sending love and continuing prayers.
Bill & Britta Bridges
March 7, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Britta has fond memories of her work with Jan; Ann has left good footprints for us all.
Larry Cornett
March 7, 2014
I was a student at NNU when Ann got up to speak at our chapel service. She started by saying; "I am Little Ann, but I serve a Great Big God and through Him we are going to change the world and they Did!!!
Carol Apple
March 7, 2014
Ann was used by God to shape my first days as a Christian, back in the mid-seventies. What a legacy this beautiful light has left this world. Prayers for her family.
Terry Cotner
March 7, 2014
I pray that the Lord will bring comfort to you as you grieve the loss of Ann Anderson. Her books gave me much food for thought & I know she touched many lives with her insight & graciousness.
March 7, 2014
Ann was a special friend! Our son Monte was special to her---and as she would come through St Louis as a single lady---she would give us a call---we would go to dinner---have ice cream--my husband would move her into first class if she was booked on TWA---she spent part of the night with us on occasion! When she was married in Boston, Monte was the only Young Man (about 10 then I think) that shared at the rehersal dinner about knowing Ann! Monte and Ann ate many ice cream cones together, and she would always sing to him before she got back on the plane---"I love you and God loves you and that's the way it should be!" as she held his cheeks in her hands!
Ann was special---a good friend---touched many lives!
Taylor---your very first jacket---a wool hoodie that was monogramed---came from us! Your Mama always said she wanted her boys dressed up when she had boys---like Monte dressed up---and she wanted her first to have a monogramed jacket! SO---you had it! (smile)
May God comfort you all---and bless you and keep you close to his heart! It was our special privilege to have known Ann.
Pat and Monte Maxey
Rev. Karen Wood
March 7, 2014
When I was studying for the ministry at Pasadena College, Ann spoke in a chapel service. What an inspiration. I bought several of her tapes and books since.
My prayers are with you in this great loss to not only you, but to many.
Donna Lusher
March 7, 2014
To Ann's Family - I was blessed to meet & serve Ann in 1975 or 76 after being so encouraged by some of her early books, and again in 1982, both times at what was then Campus Crusade headquarters of Arrowhead Springs; and later learned we share mutual friends in Tom & Barbara Stabb. My heart and prayers are with you all in your grief at losing your dear mother, sister, grandma, and friend. And I celebrate with you her release from earthly pain and struggle to the peace and joy of being in the everlasting presence of our loving Lord Jesus Christ. Her love for you, her family, was passed only by her love for Him. May God's grace and peace be with you all as you celebrate her life in the days and years ahead.
Kim Merritt
March 7, 2014
I am one of the many fortunate people to have crossed paths with Ann Kiemel Anderson. Actually she was and always will be Miss Kiemel to me. I met her early in her spiritual career as a 7th grader in her social studies class. She shepherded me for a couple of years, taking me to First Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City. When she left the area for her next spiritual journey, she left me in the care of other loving church friends. I've always wondered what nefarious paths I might have chosen had it not been for her influence. She was in my life for such a short time over five decades ago but she has remained in my heart forever. May God's grace be with her children and family.
Kimberly Maritz Merritt
Kathlelen Blair
March 7, 2014
God led me to Ann in the '80's when I was a single woman searching for direction. Her books touched me and offered me the encouragement I needed at the time. Twenty years later, I learned my dear friend knew Ann and she shared how they became friends and how Ann had blessed her. My condolences to the family. I pray God's peace and comfort surrounds each of you. With much gratitude I thank you, Ann, on behalf of all the people who have been touched through your books......you have left a wonderful legacy.
March 6, 2014
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I am sure there are many great memories you have that can and will bring a smile to your face and heart. May the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father who loved us give you comfort and comfort your hearts and make you firm. 2 Thess. 2: 16, 17.
Showing 1 - 62 of 62 results
Make a Donation
in Ann Anderson's name
Memorial Events
for Ann Anderson
People and places connected with Ann
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Ann's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ann Anderson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
