Ann Werner was born in Denver, Colorado to Willard Barnett Chappel and Mary Louise Richards Chappel. She died in Wheat Ridge, Colorado shortly after suffering a stroke at her nursing home. She is survived by her sons, Steve Werner and Bud Werner; grandchildren Dan Werner (Shawna), Shane Blay (Kara), Rachel Barton (Matt), Sarah Fine (Mingus), and Tyler Werner; five great grandchildren, and four nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville Werner; her daughter, Mary Ann Blay (Chuck); three sisters (Kathryn, Agnes, and Martha), and a nephew.

Ann grew up in Vineland (Pueblo, CO). After high school she attended Colorado Women’s College (music — piano) and Colorado Teachers College (Greeley — teacher certificate). She taught briefly in Fowler, Colorado and accepted a teaching position in Saguache where she met and married a local rancher, Orville Werner in 1942. After raising her family, she began teaching 2nd grade in Saguache again in 1961 and retired in the early 1980’s. In early retirement, Ann and Orville enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, and they cherished visits from their family.

Ann taught private piano lessons to many children in Saguache for many years early in her life in Saguache. She was an accomplished pianist who enjoyed playing her whole life, and she would often play for herself and with friends in her home during her retirement years.

Orville and Ann enjoyed the people and the activities of Minnehaha Chapter of Eastern Star in Saguache. She was the “organist” for that organization for over 60 years. Ann recently received her 75-year membership certificate from the Order of Eastern Star. She also was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and of Territorial Daughters of Colorado.

After Orville died (married 61 years), Ann spent a few more years in Saguache and then moved to the Denver metropolitan area to be more accessible to her family.

A graveside service (San Luis Valley Cemetery) is scheduled for Tuesday, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Northern Saguache County Fire Protection District, P.O. Box 556, Saguache, CO 81149.