AVA GANN

April 28, 1924 - May 11, 2012 WICHITA, KS Ava N. Gann made her peaceful transition on May 11th in the comfort of her own bed, surrounded by family and her loyal dog, Isabell. Ava was born in Whitesboro, Texas, on April 28, 1924, and moved with her family to Mead, Oklahoma, in 1930. After her marriage to Joe Gann, they moved to Oklahoma City in the mid-1950s, where they raised two daughters and lived for more than 50 years. Ava was a devout member of Hillcrest Christian Church, often volunteering, cooking and delivering meals until illness forced her to move to Wichita, KS to be with her daughter. Ava never lost her adventurous spirit, taking her first ride on a jet ski at age 82, helicoptering over the Grand Canyon at 86 and celebrating her 88th birthday playing slots at a local casino. Ava was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Gann; and her eldest daughter, Renee Gann. Her greatest heartbreak was losing Renee to pancreatic cancer in 2001. Now mother and daughter are reunited. Also preceding Ava in death were her sister, Ina Dunn; and brothers, Maxie Derryberry and Wayne Derryberry. She is survived by daughter, Debbie Gann of Wichita, KS; three grandchildren, Alexandra, Donnie and Joey Pepoon, all of Wichita; sisters: Mozelle Walker, Sherman, TX; Joan Henslee, Denison, TX; and Kathryn Davis, Durant, OK; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Special thanks to her longtime caregiver, Kathy Beat, for loving and comforting Ava during the last days and years of her life. Services will be at the South Lakes Chapel of Vondel Smith Mortuary on Monday, May 14 at 1 p.m., with interment following at the Fairview Cemetery in Shawnee, OK. Viewing Sunday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.