Ann Springer

AnnaJene Springer, 90 of Gresham OR, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2017. Ann was born on March 8, 1926 in Orchard, Nebraska to Sylvester and Lela Reed. She graduated from Brunswick High School in Brunswick, Nebraska with honors and received a scholarship to Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri where she graduated with top honors. Ann married Orville Marvin Springer on January 11, 1946 in Pleasanton, California and he preceded her in death on November 4, 2009.

Ann worked as an Executive Secretary at Hyster Corporation in Portland for many years and as Assistant to the Superintendent for Reynolds School District for a number of years before her retirement in 1992. Ann stayed active for over 40 years with Good Sam’s RV Club both locally and at the state level and was very involved and actively volunteered her time with Dogs for the Deaf, a wonderful organization that she was proud to be a part of. Because of her unselfish dedication, she was honored to have a “hearing dog” named after her and presented to a recipient in her honor. She also was a member of the Red Hat Club and rarely missed sporting events of her grandchildren.

In early 2010, shortly after her husband passed away, Ann began attending LIFT events at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham. These events, designed to keep widows active, became a way for Ann to foster relationships with other seniors and to inspire and motivate them through activities that ranged from bunco and movie nights to bingo and casino trips. Ann single handedly took it upon herself to be the monthly caller to remind and simply converse with those attending. Her efforts created a group that averages over thirty people each month and continues to grow.

Ann is survived by her sons Don Springer (Jana) of Portland OR, Bob Springer (Carole Wick) of Gresham OR and Mike Springer (Rhonda) of Stevensville MT; daughter Debra Weichlein (Rick) of Damascus OR; grandchildren Brett Springer, Clinton Springer (Katie), Jon Springer, Brianna Weichlein and Austin Weichlein and great grandson Ethan McCrann. Ann was also preceded in death by sisters Vesta and Ardath.

A Celebration of Ann’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W. Powell Blvd in Gresham, Oregon. Contributions may be made as donations to Dogs For The Deaf, Inc. at 10175 Wheeler Road, Central Point, OR 97502.