Ann M. Walker

Ann Marie (Ahrendts) Walker, 83, of Kearney, NE. After recent years of many health issues, Ann peacefully passed from this life at Bryan West in Lincoln, NE on the eve of July 14, 2026. Funeral services will be 10:30 am Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the Kearney First Presbyterian Church. Interment will follow a luncheon at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be held 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney. Ann was born in Deshler, Nebraska on October 6, 1942 to Ray C and Mildred G (Rossmiller) Ahrendts. During her youth, Ann was an accomplished organist for her church St. Peter’s Lutheran in Deshler, and an accomplished pianist that accompanied many musical groups at Deshler High School until her Honors Graduation in 1960. Ann pursued an English degree with a double minor of anthropology and political science at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. After which, pursing and completing her master's degree in education. After serving a 21-year tenure at Beatrice High School, in Beatrice Nebraska, she met and married Marvin L Walker on June 2nd, 1990 in the childhood home of Hollywood actor Robert Taylor. To this union, Ann welcomed Marvin’s adult children Marc and Kim to her family, both of whom she had befriended as their teacher at BHS. Ann’s children Kyle and Sarah also gained a brother and sister. After their marriage in 1990, Ann and then middle school aged daughter Sarah moved to Kearney, Nebraska. Ann thrived and found new passions in this new community by joining the Country Crossroads Quilt Guild, the Kearney Sewing Guild, the Holdrege Prairie Quilt Guild, continued ringing Handbells for local churches, attending the Kearney Community Theatre, singing for many years in the church choir, and singing in the Palm Sunday presentation of the Messiah with the Axtell Oratorio. Retiring from bell ringing and singing in 2025, Ann continued involvement with the Holdrege Quilt Guild up until June 2026. During her early years in the CCQG, Ann was instrumental in creating and assembling ornament kits to be completed by each guild member for the annual Trails and Rails Christmas tree walk. Ann took considerable pride and joy in creating a warm, inviting, period correct parlor room in the old Freighters Hotel. Ann served as the CCQG President in 1996, and President of the PQG in 2000. Ann also served as the Marketing Chair for the Nebraska State Quilt Guild which earned her the NSQG Radiant Star Award in 2006. She earned this award for her excellence in always going the extra mile, also for being a true leader by encouraging anyone that they could do anything at any skill level. Throughout Ann’s life she lived her life with fierce independence and authenticity. She also had a courageous and unfiltered way of addressing challenges with a flare of spice and color, which she enjoyed bringing into conversations and relationships. Ann also had a way of seeing within her students, family, friends and helping them to address their needs with truth. Ann’s fiery spirit for life will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved her. Ann is survived by, Daughter Sarah (Nicholes-Walker) Armbruster of Kenesaw, NE, Son Kyle (Sue) Simodynes and their son Kellen of Kearney, NE. Stepson LTC(R) Marc (Traci) Walker of Clarksville MD, children Caitlin Walker of Kansas City, MO and William Walker of Lincoln, NE, Joseph and Ryan Pickus of Clarksville, MD. Stepdaughter Kim (John) Walker-Shanks and Kim’s daughter Kiera of Gretna, Ne. Ann was preceded in death by husband Marvin, parents Ray and Mildred, brother Robert and sister-in-law Karen, great nephew Justin Balfany, and step grandson Drew Chamberlin. Numerous cats and dogs all of whom were incredibly special and integral parts of her life’s journey. In lieu of flowers Memorials can be made in Ann’s honor to the 1st Presbyterian Gloria De Bell Choir, the Kearney Area Animal Shelter, or to the family for later designation. Condolence can be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Ann M. Walker

October 6, 1942 - July 14, 2026