Ann Huffaker

Elizabeth Ann Huffaker, known by most as Ann, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend. She was born on April 19, 1948, and peacefully passed from this life on October 3, 2025, at her home, having shared heartfelt goodbyes with her loved ones.

Ann's life was marked by love, dedication, and an unwavering faith in her Savior. She was preceded in death by her parents, Troy and Winona Hutchins; her sister and brother-in-law, Alice Rae and Arnold Mortensen; her brother-in-law Wayne DePriest, and her grandsons, Peyton Valentine and Chase Ivan Holman. She is survived by her loving husband, Kelvin Huffaker; her children, Brad (Leann) Huffaker, Clint (Kristi) Huffaker, Tyler (Heather) Huffaker, Tami (Aaron) Valentine, and Cade (Ashlee) Huffaker; her siblings, Toby Hutchins, Nellie May (Robert) Bagwell, Lynette DePriest, Brenda Hutchins, and Lorraine (Mike) Horton; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family and friends.

Her childhood was spent in a home filled with laughter, music, and creativity. Ann loved wandering barefoot through fields, stomping in manure, making mudpies with her sisters, and playing in the canal. One of her favorite childhood memories was jumping off the haystack into loose piles of hay, watching her nightgown fill with air-a moment she fondly recalled and shared often. An active and spirited child, she enjoyed ice skating and helping her dad with the milk cows. Music, art, and nurturing her talents-playing the piano, singing with her sisters, and painting-were central to her early years, leaving a lasting imprint on her life and those she mentored.

At age 16, she began dating Kelvin, her birthday twin, and it didn't take long before they fell in love. They dated through high school. Ann graduated from Sanford High School in 1966. She then earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Adams State College while working at the reception desk at the hospital. During this time her high school sweetheart, Kelvin, returned from his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and they were sealed in the Manti Utah Temple in August 1969.

As a devoted mother and educator, Ann taught in Capulin and Sanford before dedicating herself fully to her family as a stay-at-home mom. She and Kelvin raised five children while immersing themselves in the community. They spent countless hours teaching their children horsemanship as dedicated 4-H leaders, fostering a love for horses, agriculture, and life skills among many young people in the San Luis Valley. She was her children's biggest cheerleader at sporting events, horse shows, concerts, and performances, always encouraging their talents and growth.

Ann was passionate about her work in education. She began teaching full-time when her daughter, Tami, started in kindergarten, guiding generations of students as a kindergarten, fifth grade, and elementary music teacher. She earned a master's degree in education during this time. She was renowned for her creative Christmas programs and Spring Fling concerts, for which she personally wrote all the scripts and all the music. She is remembered for the joy she infused into her teaching, and touched countless lives. She also gave piano lessons, pouring hours of her life into nurturing musical talents in her community. After 30 years, she retired from the North Conejos School District.

Post-retirement, Ann and Kelvin served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Siberia, Russia-one of the most cherished chapters of their marriage. Their time there deepened their love for others and their faith, as they shared service and love with the people of Russia. After serving their mission, they served in the Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints until Ann lost her hearing and had to undergo surgery for cochlear implants.

Ann's values are deeply rooted in her family, her faith, and in the service of others. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren affectionately -often feeding them lunch throughout their high school years. She spent time teaching them to sew, and creating beautiful quilts and handmade gifts.

Her love for her husband Kelvin was evident in the life they built together, a rare and cherished love story, rooted in faith and laughter. They have a heritage of children and grandchildren who love and honor them in the lives they live everyday.

Ann was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, deeply converted to the Gospel, with a strong relationship with her Savior. Her life exemplified the two great commandments- to love God, and to love our fellow man. Ann's legacy is one of kindness, creativity, devotion, and unwavering faith. She leaves a profound legacy of love and service, inspiring all who knew her. Her family will forever cherish her memory, her spirit living on in their hearts.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the La Jara Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Visitation services will be held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and on Friday, October 10, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service at same location.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and words of comfort for Ann's family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com