Ann F. Klaus White (née Simons)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ann F. Klaus White (née Simons), a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend, who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Lima, Ohio, on November 7, 1938, Ann lived a life rich in love and faith, and these supported her throughout her life.

Ann’s educational journey began at St. Rose Catholic School in Lima, Ohio. She attended college at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods in Indiana and had many fond memories of this time in her life. She left school to marry and start a family and lived in Severna Park, Maryland, before settling back in Ohio.

As a devoted mother, Ann raised five children in Centerville, Ohio, while balancing the complex demands of work and family life. She was a caring and talented realtor, who, for 43 years, served her clients with compassion, always prioritizing people over profits.

Ann was refreshingly authentic, sometimes blunt, and never afraid to be emotionally vulnerable and transparent. She connected with others by engaging in deep and compelling discussions, which might spontaneously occur in a grocery store parking lot.

Ann, who didn’t know a stranger, was an engaging storyteller who loved people. Even if you had heard the story many times before, she somehow made it seem new with her facial expressions and hand gestures. She was very social and loved a good discussion on almost any topic, but in particular she enjoyed discussing faith, health, and politics.

She had a passion for learning and an inquisitive nature and was always ready to share the most recent book or article she had read with anyone who would listen. This inquisitive nature led her to try to master social media in her late 70s, as she found it a fascinating resource. She loved her 14 grandchildren, who often found her social media blunders slightly amusing and entertaining.

She had a sense of style and an appreciation for beautiful things and was known to never leave the house without applying her trademark lipstick.

A woman of strong faith, Ann shared her love of the Lord with everyone. Her faith was a guiding light in her life and helped her remain optimistic in the midst of many challenges.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Richard Simons and Agnes O’Connell Simons; brothers, Robert Simons and Charles Andrew Simons; and husbands Ronald Klaus and Don White.

Ann is survived by her stepmother, Carol Simons; her five children, Kathy Klass (Mitch), Mike Klaus (Saundra), Tom Klaus (Karrie), Greg Klaus (Leigh Ann), and Julie Wheeler (Scott); 14 beautiful grandchildren (Kate [Michael], Connor [Sarina], Alex [Morgan], Ryan, Taylor, Jacob, Reed, Brett, Drew [Jaime], Aaron [Kaitlyn], Brian [Maddie], Will, Lucas, and Brooke); half-siblings Emily Murphy (Eric) and Albert Joseph Simons; and three great grandchildren (Aria, Charlie, Dakota).

Family will greet friends Friday, June 13 from 4:00pm-6:00pm at Routsong Funeral Home, 81 N. Main St., Centerville, OH 45459 with a celebration of Ann’s life beginning at 6:00pm at the funeral home. A visitation will be held Saturday, June 14 from 10:30am-11:00am at St. Rose Catholic Church, 523 N. West St., Lima, OH 45801, with a Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00am. Ann will be laid to rest in Gethsemani Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ann’s name to Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420-we are eternally grateful for their care, or to the Pregnancy Decision Health Center, 665 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Ste. 120, Columbus, OH 43229, or online at SupportLifePDHC.org.

Rest in peace dear Ann. We will miss your laughter, lively discussions, strong opinions, and pure-hearted love.