Ann Elizabeth Wise Watrous, age 79, of Webb City, passed away on Sept. 26, 2024, in Springfield, following a short illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones.

Ann was born on Sept. 12, 1945, at Jane Chinn Hospital in Webb City to Hal M. Wise Jr. and Dorothy (Cady) Wise. She was welcomed by her older sister, Patricia, who became her lifelong friend. Ann was baptized into the First Presbyterian Church. She spoke often of her fond childhood memories of Webb City, especially her time spent at the Sentinel offices helping her Daddy publish the daily paper. Ann attended Eugene Field Elementary and later graduated from Webb City High School, with the class of 1963, which included many cherished friends. In high school, she especially enjoyed playing her violin in the orchestra and singing in the school choir. She went on to attend Drury College in Springfield and earned a degree in elementary education followed by a master’s degree in education.

Ann married George M. Watrous Jr. on Aug. 10, 1968, at her family home, 717 W. Broadway, in Webb City. They were married until 1986 and welcomed two children, Julia Louise Watrous and Andrew John Watrous. Ann left her children with a legacy of self-sacrifice, gentleness, encouragement, and unconditional love, which they treasure and hope to emulate.

Ann spent over 30 years as a public school and community college educator, which included teaching students in upper elementary; middle school reading and writing; elementary remedial math and reading; and college-level writing. She was proud of her many students about whom she cared very much. She taught for school districts in Florissant, Kansas City, Strafford and Joplin.

After her retirement from education, Ann went on to enjoy working for the Webb City Public Library for nearly 10 more years. She loved being surrounded by books, helping patrons and enriching the community with knowledge and a love of reading.

Ann was proud to be a native Webb City resident and invested much of her time into community organizations. She served on the Library Board and design committee to expand the historic Carnagie library into the modern space it is today, as well as serving on the Downtown Historic Preservation Committee and the Webb City Historical Society.

Ann’s favorite pastime was reading, and she enjoyed all kinds of reading material. She was never without a few books in progress and a spot to read in the sunshine. She also had many special travel memories, from cross-country road trips in the back of her parents’ Chevrolet in the 1950s, to Mexico, Cuba, Jamaica, and taking a banana boat to Guatemala. Ann was privileged to enjoy trips to Europe and most U.S. states, and especially loved traveling with her children and grandchildren on new adventures. She loved being outdoors, enjoying nature, and times of quiet reflection in the fresh air.

In her adult years, Ann was a member of Central United Methodist Church. Her church family was of great support to her and included many of her dearest friends. Ann was also a member of the PEO Sisterhood and a variety of book clubs which all enriched her life.

Remaining to cherish Ann’s memory are her children, Julia and Andrew, their spouses, Adam and Irene; and her grandchildren, Grace, Alexander, Emmaline, and Falko. She is also remembered by her extended family, her dear friends, church family and former students.

Ann’s grandchildren were her particular pride and joy. She was the very best pretend player and they will fondly remember her games, conversations, and stories. She always had a treat to give and a lap for cozy reading.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Hal M. Wise, Jr. and Dorothy Cady Wise; and her sister Patricia Wise Hewlett.

A family visitation and a memorial celebration of life service will be held on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, at Central United Methodist Church. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. and a dessert reception afterward. Interment of ashes will take place during a family gathering at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Webb City Public Library in care of Hedge-Lewis-Goodwin Funeral Home. Ann’s grandchildren also request that you consider planting a tree in her memory.