Olive Ann Gee Catlin

Olive Ann Catlin, 91, beloved wife and mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed peacefully from this world into her eternal rest on June 26, 2016 in Houston, TX. She is survived by her son James “Jamie” Burton Catlin III, her daughter Kristi Lynne Catlin, nine grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Ann was born in Geary, Oklahoma, the third child of Frank Tilden and Eula Mae Gee. Ann’s five siblings, who all preceded her in death, were Frank T Gee Jr., Robert (Bob) Gee, Sybil Horne, Stanley Gee and Sterling Price Gee. Ann was also preceded in death by her first born son, Baby Boy Catlin, and her husband James “Jim” Burton Catlin Jr.

Ann’s love for her family was palpable. There was a special place in her heart for her namesake grandmother, her parents and siblings, as well as special cousins, nieces and nephews – strong bonds which lasted her entire life.

Ann spent her early years on a farm. Later, the family moved to Oklahoma City where her father practiced law. Shy in her youth, she grew into an elegant young woman with thick, dark brown hair and the stunning figure of a classic southern belle. Throughout her life the values she had been raised with guided her. These endearing qualities were extended to all she encountered.

She blossomed from a shy child to a social, outgoing woman. During WWII she and her mother worked in an aircraft factory as “Rosy the Riveters.” The work she did instilled a greater sense of responsibility, loyalty, dedication and perseverance which would remain her hallmark.

After the war, Ann made the choice to strike out from home and begin her first real adventure. With a borrowed fifty dollars and a girlfriend, she hitchhiked from Oklahoma to California. Ann met Jim at his mother’s farm in Mission San Jose (Freemont), CA.

Ann and Jim married on April 14, 1951 in Las Vegas, Nevada and set up their home in Truckee, California. Together they grieved over two miscarriages and the death of a full-term baby boy before his first day had passed. Yet joy came in the early sixties when they were blessed with two children to whom she devoted herself. Shortly after Jamie was born they moved to South Lake Tahoe where they built two homes and raised their family.

In fall 1975 Ann followed her husband and his career to Alaska and enjoyed life together until his passing in 2007. During this time their relationship strengthened. Dining out, dancing, social and church activities helped to grow their love, resulting in a strong, loving, protective bond. They developed truly inspiring friendships wherever they lived, friends who remained dear for their entire lives.

Ann excelled in all she did, especially the arts. She loved working with her hands, particularly quilting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and painting. Ann loved to read, dance, watch movies, and listen to music. She loved trees and birds and beautiful things. She loved the sun and the sea. She loved life.

Ann grew into her older years gracefully, with a contagious lively spirit and sparkling eyes. She became soooo cute!!! Fun loving, vivacious, often unpredictable and daring, were some of the traits with which this spirit graced the world. She almost always wore a smile and faced life with a glad heart. She was, above all else, a shining example of charity and patience.

In 2010 Ann’s adventurous spirit showed through one last time as she sold everything and left Alaska for Texas with her daughter Kristi. She wanted to be closer to her original home and family. The climate would also allow her to walk comfortably outside year round - something she loved dearly and did every day. Ann’s golden years were rich and full; she reconnected with family and friends, walked in the sun, buried her toes in the sand, and luxuriated in life.

It is without reservation that we know she is in an even better place, walking in the clouds, in the sheltering arms of her beloved savior, and in the loving presence of her family who has long waited to embrace her spirit.

Long ago, so now it seems,

I remember my mother, in child-like dreams.

Her kind smile and ceaseless joy

for her little girl and challenging boy.

She bandaged skinned knees,

helped retrieve kites from greedy old trees,

spent hours with us at the beach,

and never missed a chance to teach.

We cried together when old yeller died,

cheered when my first model rocket sailed to the skies,

watched with wide eyes the first foot on the moon,

I unknowing that those days would be gone all too soon.

Now, as I think back over the years,

through both the joys and the tears,

there was never any doubt,

what my mother’s life was about.

She always set others above,

with enduring care and love.

She worked hard, to earn and save

yet in all, she freely gave.

Without complaint she endured,

and all she met endeared.

Another chapter has reached its end,

yet in time the sadness and loss will mend,

but all who knew the lady, gentle and kind,

will ever have her spirit within their mind.

Of all her gifts she left to me

the most precious is the knowledge of god,

for with that she helped me see

there is something greater than the life we trod.

I know the world is a challenging and often dangerous place,

but, her love was always there shown through courage and grace.