Ann Marie Kalkstein

Ann Marie Kalkstein, age 86, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 1, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, Ann lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to the people she cared for.

Ann grew up in Chicago and spent many years in the Chicagoland area, where she and her husband, Donald Sr., began their life together after marrying on October 17, 1959. Together, they raised their two sons, Donald Jr. and Daniel, teaching them the values she embodied every day-kindness, compassion, integrity, and treating people the right way.

Ann later moved to Mountain Home, Arkansas, where she cherished living next door to her beloved twin sister, Mary Norys. Their bond was unbreakable, and Ann took pride in being a twin every single day of her life. In her later years, she moved to Conway, Missouri, where she lived close to-and eventually with-her son Daniel and his wife Bernadette who cared for both Ann and her husband Don.

Ann was a deeply nurturing and caring soul. She had the unique ability to make anyone feel heard and valued, listening with her whole heart. Her warm smile lit up every room she entered, and no space ever felt too big for her. Ann loved people-she was a true social butterfly who made friends effortlessly and cared for them with intention and sincerity.

Her joy came from doing for others. Ann loved crafting and was always making things by hand to gift to those she loved. She never arrived anywhere empty-handed, always bringing food, drink, or something thoughtful. And she would never leave without helping clean-even if she had just met the people there. Ann was always first to help and last to leave.

Although tiny in stature, Ann was strong, resilient, and determined. She exemplified selflessness, especially when caring for her husband after his stroke-something she did out of pure love and without a moment's hesitation. She often said, "That is the right thing to do," and she lived her entire life by those words.

Ann taught herself to play the piano, was a masterful crocheter and took great pride in her creativity and most of all, her family. And in true Ann fashion, any time someone told her "I love you," she would respond with her famous line: "Love you more."

Ann is survived by her loving husband Donald Sr., her son Donald Jr, daughter in law Becky. son Daniel, daughter in law Bernadette, her cherished twin sister Mary Norys; her brother Thomas Browne; and her grandchildren Dakota, Drey, and Julia. Her warmth, spirit, and love will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Services will be held on November 24, 2025, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, Springfield, MO. A viewing will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., with a procession to Resurrection Cemetery for her burial.

"Above all, love each other deeply." - 1 Peter 4:8