Anna Mae (Turner) Kimple

I just learned of Anna Mae's passing. Don and I enjoyed our friendship with your folks.
We lost Don in February of '18 and I have moved to The Regent in Wichita. Both of our girls live just about ten minutes away. The ponies are all sold but I have great memories of the dear friends that we met through the pony business.

My mother and father, Merle and Donna Young, had a long, warm, and joyous friendship with Anna Mae Kimple. Dad would often help her with many mechanical and farm-related chores and repairs. I am deeply saddened at her passing. My mother adored Anna Mae and they often shared some great stories in a friendship that actually spanned more than 20 years. I remember that one time when we were visiting my parents in Lyons, Anna Mae came by and noticed that I had an electronic keyboard and was playing it. She was so fascinated by it that I wanted to give it to her to play. Another time, during a Christmas visit, Anna Mae came by with a plate of cookies to share. When Mom and Dad left Lyons to join us in Phoenix, we planned a trip three years later to come back to see old friends in Lyons. Anna Mae was one of the first people we visited. She was a gentle, sweet woman, and a joy to know. I am grateful for her long-term friendship with my parents and myself. Rest in Peace, dear Anna Mae. You will be missed.

It is with sadness that I read of the passing of Anna Mae. I cannot remember a time that I did not know her. From being neighbors, to 4-H, to piano lessons (no, I didn't practice), to shearing sheep, buying milk, numerous farm dogs, and working in the field for A.J. it seems that she was always there. She has left a wonderful legacy to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren of hard work, being a faithful friend, always being in the present for others, and always with grit and determination. May Mary, Barbara, and Helen be blessed with memories of her and her legacy.

Curtis,
So good to hear from you! So many good memories of spending time with your family as I grew up! Your folks were like second parents to me and I always loved being with them. A person truly missed out if they never had the opportunity to take a road trip with Cecil at the wheel- I recently ran across the photo of you and your folks at the baseball field in Stillwater on that trip.
We were blessed to have our parents and hopefully we can pass on some of the wisdom to our young ones. All our best to Jessica & the family!

What an exceptional person the world has lost. A teacher, musician, busy farm wife, friend to all; most importantly a loving (and loved) wife and mother. Barb and I met in kindergarten at South School and are close friends to this day. Memories of field trips to the farm to see the sheep, later sleepovers with Barb when we’d roam the farm and pastures for hours and come back to a delicious home cooked meal by Anna Mae. Her demure and sweet smile will always be with me. Mary, Barb and Helen may your hearts be comforted and gently healed by loving memories and the love of family and friends.

I was lucky that Barb shared her mother with me. While step-family relationships can be awkward, Anna Mae showed me so much kindness, it was easy to enjoy her company. I hope she knew how much I appreciated her friendship and how thankful I am that our paths crossed.