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Jane Cunningham
February 25, 2017
Ron and Family,
We were so sad to hear about Ann. Dee Muhler informed me of her passing, I had no idea and I'm so sorry. If I know one thing, it is that Ann loved her family and we will always remember her for being such a kind neighbor when we were new to Fort Wayne. The memories of when our children were little will always be among our fondest recollections. Please know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, Kevin and Janie Cunningham
Rich Kraus
February 16, 2017
Ron, You and Ann have a wonderful family. Sadness will never win out.
The Lord is your strength.
She had an impact on both men and women. I saw a few other men at the funeral who would move their tongue against their cheek to stifle a shedding of tears.
My story about Ann was as a basketball referee when she coached middle school girls at Summit. At times, she would whistle so loud, the other team would stop play, thinking it was a referee's whistle. Her team would keep playing because they heard it everyday in practice. The fans on both teams loved her enthusiasm and pleasure of playing all out, every minute.
Debra Roehm Woten
February 15, 2017
Sincere condolences to the Matheis and Purtell families. So sorry to hear of Ann's passing.
Pam Hanenkrat
February 15, 2017
So sorry to hear of Ann's passing. I haven't saw her in years but she was always such a nice person. Always had a smile on her face. Prayers to the whole family.
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Jerry Hanchett
February 15, 2017
I just knew Ann casually.....I mixed paint for her at Lowe's. We talked baseball ( GO REDS!!) I hope all of your joys together help ease your loss and bring comfort untill you meet again. God be with you all.
Lori Zimmerman
February 15, 2017
Praying for all of you! I am so sorry Ed and I can't be there today. I have an awful cold - thought it best not to share. Love and hugs to you all. I sure loved Ann and will miss her smiling face at family gatherings. Love, Lori & Ed
Justin & Jenna Ellis
February 15, 2017
Deepest condolences to the family. We are so truly sorry for your loss.
Molly & Tracy Collins
February 14, 2017
Ann brightened every room she entered, brightened every life she touched. Her great humor and infectious laugh carried others like a wave. Her inner strength, even in the face of so many challenges in life, was an example to us all. We celebrate a wonderful life, and we are happy to have had her in our lives. And while we mourn the fact she's no longer here with us, we celebrate the peace she has found. Goodbye, Ann. Like so many, we loved you.
~ Molly and Tracy
Susan Englert
February 15, 2017
So very sorry to hear of Ann's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Brenda Davis
February 14, 2017
All,
Ann had such a wonderful smile and her laugh was amazing! I can still see her smiling and hear her laughter even now. She brought such joy and energy to the room! I have not seen or spoken to her in many years, but she was a big part of my childhood memories and happiness! She loved with such a big open heart! I was brought to tears thinking of her passing! My heart aches that she is not with us, but i know she is with my dad and had the biggest of hugs for him when he greeted her at those heavenly gates! She is at peace now. It is those of us left behind who are sad to not have her with us, but we know we will see her again. My Love and Prayers to Ron and the entire family! She will be greatly missed!
Love Brenda
Debi Teeters
February 14, 2017
So very sorry to hear this sad news. My heart is breaking for the whole family. Ann was always a sweet and special person. Thinking and praying for all of you.
Nancy Teagarden
February 14, 2017
I remember Ann's infectious smile and enthusiasm for girls' sports. She was always so positive and kind to everyone. My lasting memory of Ann will be remembering her bringing a bag of the cinnamon "hot" jawbreakers to our girls' soccer games and passing it around to share with fans so that we could all "fire up." Ann was a true gem and I feel honored to have known her.
Chance Osborne
February 14, 2017
I love you forever. Thanks for being a light in my life, even during the months we didn't talk. You always found a way to get ahold of me. You were intentional with your love...something I will always admire.
Love you Matheis family.
Terry Smith
February 14, 2017
I am so sorry for all the family an families
Darren Waggoner
February 14, 2017
I had the delight of talking with Ann several times last year at AGBL games - 2nd/3rd graders. She was always so kind to the girls. She said she loved being a referee and helping teach the game. That also was evident from the smile that didn't seem to leave her face as she hustled up and down the court. Now I see the full reach of her community involvement. She touched the lives of a great number of people and surely has inspired many to give back in similar ways. My condolences and prayers to the family.
Emily (Bohrer) Welch
February 13, 2017
My heart felt and deep condolences along with many prayers and memories go out to the Purtell and Matheis families.
Frank and Sandy Swinford
February 13, 2017
Remembering many good times we shared while attending the Calvary church together. Appreciated her many talents which she shared with our kids and grandchildren. Your family was always supportive of each other and showed their love for you. What a GREAT person and GOD has an Angel to watch over all of us. You will be forever in our thoughts and may GOD bless you!
Leslie Eckler O.E.S.
February 14, 2017
You lived your life well and touched many lives.
'I have fought long & hard for my Lord, & through it all
I have kept true to Him. And now the time has come for me
to stop fighting & rest. In heaven a crown is waiting for me...' 2 Timothy 4:7
Your laughter, spirit, & light will be cherished by all who knew you, as your
good works inspired mates & glorified our Father in heaven.
Rejoice with him now. Until we meet again...
May God bring peace & comfort to your lovely family.
Jeanie Pitzer
February 14, 2017
My deepest condolences to the families of Ann Purtell as I remember her. Sweet and caring always putting forth her best. Ann was raised by her loving and devoted parents, Phil and Janet Purtell. To the Purtell siblings it saddens my heart of your beloved Ann. God Bless.
Kent Pyle
February 14, 2017
Ron & Family -- I am so very sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Ann on the Homestead Athletic Booster Club Dance Marathon for many years. We had lots of fun! I also enjoyed keeping the scorebook for her middle school basketball teams. I can still hear Ann's voice as she "encouraged" her players and led her teams to victory! :-) Ann was one of the kindest and most thoughtful persons I knew, always taking the time to say hello and to tell me thanks for helping the kids at Homestead, when in reality she was the one who should have been thanked for everything she did. Ann was the best! What a wonderful person! I will always think fondly of Ann and smile when I reflect on her memory. I will miss her!
Tiffany Ham
February 11, 2017
You were a beautiful soul, inside and out. I will never forget what you did for Courtney. I will also never forget our talks. I loved you and will never forget you. Praying for your family...you left such a legacy
Joe and Barbara Waln
February 13, 2017
So sorry for your loss. I remember Ann well from the times I spent with the Purtell family and with Kay. It was a wonderful way and place to grow up. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lori Henning
February 13, 2017
We all loved Ann's beautiful smile when she came in for her appointments. We will continue to keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Your friends at Bussick Orthodontics
Mike & Patrice Sposeep
February 13, 2017
Dear Alli, David, Ron, and all of the Matthias family,
Please know that we are so very sorry for your loss. It has been a tough battle for all of you. May you find comfort in your wonderful memories of all the good times and in knowing that Ann is now at peace.
We are sorry we are so far away and cannot be there to give you hugs and love in person. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Aunt Patrice & Uncle Mike/Mike and Patrice Sposeep
Amber Ludwig
February 13, 2017
Hard to believe she is gone. I had so many memories growing up with Ann and her family. She would always make THE best breakfasts in the morning after sleepovers. She was a second mom to so many. I knew after I threw a strikeout or made a good play I could look to her and I would ALWAYS see a smile from ear to ear. Her light will forever be missed. Seeing how many people she touched during her short life is incredible. Praying for peace for all of you.
Steve Eikenberry
February 13, 2017
Please accept my sympathies, Ron. Dave Wilkins shared the news of your wife's passing, as I am now retired in Florida. I'll keep your family and you in my good thoughts and prayers during this time of loss and grieving. Steve Eikenberry
Roseanna McNeal
February 13, 2017
May the grace and peace of God be with you at this time
Roseanna "Zann" McNeal
Fairfield high school class 1977
Tim Brannock
February 12, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of Ann's passing. I have such fond memories of working with her on our stage productions in high school. To Ann's new family and to all her Leesburg siblings, you are all in my thoughts and Prayers. God Bless you all.
Tim Brannock
FHS Class of '78
Cassidy Geller
February 13, 2017
Mrs. Matheis was an incredibly kind woman who helped shape my love for sports throughout middle and high school. She inspired me and everyone she coached. My thoughts are with her family during this incredibly difficult time.
Taylor Mughmaw
February 13, 2017
I didnt know her well but I had seen her arround. I prayed for her and now I will be praying for everyone.
Jack & Bev Vickerman
February 12, 2017
We are very sad to know of the loss of Ann. We have many fond memories of her as a person & all our families shared in SACS sports activities. We will always remember Ann's smile, friendliness, caring for all, & general positive & enthusiastic attiude. Hugs to her wonderful family as they support each other & live with many special memories. Ann is one who knew how to make the most out of living - Jack & Bev Vickerman
Hollly Glick
February 13, 2017
As a past school board member Ann was the dream community member. She devoted her life to God, her family, and all the kiddos in Southwest Allen County Schools. Her loving spirit shined when she walked into a room. May God bless her beautiful family. Please know how many adult life's she impacted by her love and compassion for our kids.
Kathy Buck
February 12, 2017
Ann had an amazing gift of encouraging others. She was a great coach to many, including my daughters in the Aboite Girls Basketball League. My husband always enjoyed competing against her while coaching in the league. Ann and Stan must be developing some great teams in heaven. My condolences to Ron and family. May God's grace sustain you in the days ahead.
Jeff Hughes
February 12, 2017
My thoughts are with you Ron
Kelly Lynch
February 12, 2017
Ann's passing is so heartbreaking. She touched so many people in her 57 years...I'm so thankful to have been one of them. Her energy, enthusiasm, love and compassion were extraordinary and inspirational. i can't help but think that all the kids in heaven were there to greet her saying "let's play coach". She will certainly be missed and remembered.
Roseanna McNeal
February 12, 2017
May the grace and peace of God be with you at this time.
Joann Nixon
February 12, 2017
Dear Ron and Family,
May God continue to hold you in His comforting arms and give you the strength and courage to live in the wonderful memories of this dear friend.
Madison Detweiler
February 12, 2017
Mrs. Matheis was a kind, caring, beautiful soul. She was a great friend and mentor to me through a difficult time. She will be missed more than words can ever properly express.
Denny Jones
February 12, 2017
What an inspirational Lady!! You all have my deepest condolences.
Cindi Martin
February 12, 2017
My heart is broken after hearing of Ann's passing. It was always such a pleasure to work with her on Homestead's Dance Marathons and the Athletic Boosters! She had so much energy and was very devoted to her family. Her infectious laugh will be missed. May you find comfort and peace from the wonderful memories of Ann!
Hollie Painter
February 12, 2017
I wish to extend my condolences to the family and friends of my dear friend Ann. Her journey was an inspiration and she will always be remembered. May God bless and comfort you at time.
Phil & Cheryl Kerrigan
February 12, 2017
Ann was the most positive uplifting person. She was a great role model for kids and our community. She was a great example for all of us!
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Susan Hansbarger
February 12, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Ann's passing. Dear Matheis Family: May all of the wonderful memories last forever in your heart.
Elaine Lyday Gerken
February 12, 2017
I have so many wonderful memories of the Matheis family and of Ann. She was a great basketball coach (and always had the best candy bag at games)! She was always a friendly face when I would sub at Homestead many years ago. I grew up with Ann and the family; it was a given that she would be there every Saturday morning, coaching or officiating the game. I just remember her as a positive role model for girls and a very strong, beautiful woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Katey O'Connor
February 12, 2017
I haven't seen her in many years now, but I know if I would have run into her again, good old Mrs. Mathias would have hugged me and it would have been as if we just finished a double header in my high school days. So warm, funny, and always inviting, you always felt like you were with family when you were with her. I got to know her for only the short years of middle and high school but she impacted me in that time and I know the whole community will feel her absence. I will greatly look forward to the day I can see her again and am feebly, but emphatically sending hugs to her wonderful family as they remember her awesome life.
melissa Bair
February 12, 2017
Coach Matheis was an amazing woman. My first memory was of her officiating AGBL and running up and down the court with with 3rd and 4th grade girls. I remember thinking she was so fit and happy. She also coached my daughter during Homestead softball. She brought so much fun to those girls during the softball season. She will be missed and always remembered by those she coached and their parents. May her family be comforted knowing that she touched many lives, developed many strong young girls into strong women, was a role model for many and left a lasting impression of her empowering girls. She always seemed to have a smile on her face. God Bless.
Jaime Schacher
February 11, 2017
Ann was not only my co worker but my friend and my rock of support. Our special ed kids loved coming and seeing Ann as she was never too busy to stop and come out in the hall to see them. I also enjoyed working with Ann at the many different athletic events. As a believer myself I know Ann is out of pain and whole again and she will be yet another guardian angel to watch over us. RIP Ann.
Kate Werling
February 12, 2017
She was my mentor and role model since middle school. From basketball to soccer to random events, she was always a positive support system. I will never forget the memories and life lessons she taught me. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
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8325 Covington Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46804
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