Ann Elizabeth Kureth

On February 7, 1939, Ann Kureth was born in Oakland County, Michigan. She went on to live an exuberant life for more than 86 years. She lived every color of the rainbow, with verve, determination and love. Red is for her heart. Her heart loved so big and so strong for her adored husband of 60 years, Terrence Kureth. She loved her teaching job, and the elementary students she got to share her creativity with. She aways came home with stories that made everybody laugh. She loved the adventures and trips she took with Terry to places all over America. (Many of her travel stories included an anecdote of leaving her purse somewhere and my dad leaving his glasses, and they laughed.) 

Yellow is for all the sunshine that shone through her. Yellow is for all the sun that shone as she and Terry lived their outdoor life. Hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, two kinds of skiing, swimming, and just enjoying the day together wherever they went. So many times, they were heard to say, “It is a beautiful day!” 

Orange is for Ann’s enthusiasm. She could really be on fire when involved in a passionate conversation about the world today. She was not a fence sitter. Her dear friends in the Stitchery Group or from the gym, or her volunteering surely have experienced this. She just glowed when excited about an idea, a project, trip or joy for her grandchildren. (She loved her kids too, but they quickly took a back seat to grandchildren Tom, Allison, and Emily. Daughters Betsy and Nancy ended up in the “way back” when great-grandchildren Mabel, Josie, Gemma, and Lewis were born.) 

Green is for her deep love of nature. As an Advanced Master Gardener, her own property was an abundance of foliage, blooms, whimsical decorations, and pots sprouting things you never knew about before. In the early days of living in Gaylord, it was all a shade garden she carefully planned and planted with hostas and more. Later, as the trees came down, she and Terry grew vegetables and flowers needing more sun. Seeds were ideas, variety’s of plants were her palate. Her yard sang to the glory of nature. 

Blue is for water. As a child she had access to a beach and swam and played and waterskied. When Ann and Terry bought their first house, it had lake access, and a beach and boating and fishing. They had fun on cruises to Alaska and the Caribbean and their stays in Florida. She loved her view out the windows of their Gaylord home. Seeing Martin Lake year-round for 34 years, the ebb and flow were part of her life. 

Indigo is a color only she could recognize without a color wheel. What is it? Neither blue or purple, it is hard to define. Indigo is for the spark and the smile and the laughter unique to Ann. The intangible things that came together to make her the person we love and will miss. 

Purple is not a pale color and Ann was no shrinking violet. She had confidence, determination, and believed she could tackle any project. Ann could do anything. “I can do this, I will figure it out” lived in her head like a mantra. She created and fixed and dreamed and did. Stand back! Ann is on a mission! (Nancy and Betsy learned a lot from their mom, and carry on this can-do attitude.) Purple is bold and beautiful, intense and deep. It was her birth stone, and she embraced her own purple, her own rainbow. 

Ann is drinking wine and laughing loud at the family party with so many she has missed. In attendance are her father and mother, John and Ruth DeCou; her brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Elaine DeCou; beloved family Morice and Andrea Mortier; niece Kelley Mortier; mother-in-law Nancy Eleanor Kureth. Most of all, she is back with Terry, whom she missed with a deep ache. As of December 9, 2025, Ann and Terry are together. Their circle is complete. 

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held in honor of Ann and Terry at Gaylord Community Funeral Home on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Please arrive at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers the family suggest you donate to your local food pantry, nature preserve, or the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). The family wishes to express their deep gratitude for the caregivers from the various agencies that helped keep Ann in her home. Special thanks to Therese, Lee, and Randi.

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