Ann Killian

Ann Killian, 61, passed away peacefully on Tuesday after a courageous battle with ALS. Born in Manassas and raised in Haymarket, Virginia, Ann made San Antonio, Texas her home for most of her adult life, filling it with laughter, love, and a profound dedication to those around her. She will be remembered as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend who touched countless lives with her warmth and resilience.

Ann built a remarkable 33-year career as a Bankruptcy Auditor with the U.S. Trustees Office, where she became a highly respected expert in her field. A Certified Fraud Examiner through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, Ann’s work in financial oversight and fraud prevention helped shape federal bankruptcy enforcement for decades. In her final years of government service, she contributed her skills as part of the Federal White Collar Bankruptcy Task Force with the FBI, earning the trust and admiration of colleagues nationwide.

Outside of work, Ann was full of energy and passion. She was an avid tennis player, a fierce competitor and a beloved teammate at the Shavano and Windcrest Tennis Centers. In 2005, her skill and determination took her all the way to Hawaii as a National Championship competitor with her club team—a memory she cherished and recounted with pride. She also had a deep love for travel and cruises, especially with her husband Don. Together, they explored awe-inspiring places including Alaska, New England, and the Canadian coast. Whether on a ship deck or in the middle of a doubles match, Ann embraced life with joy, curiosity, and spirit.

For Ann, family was everything. She shared 35 wonderful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Donald Killian, and together they created a home built on love and shared adventure. She was the proud and loving mother of LeaAnn Mendoza, Dawn Killian, and Aaron Eldridge. Ann welcomed her children’s partners, Miguel Mendoza, Claire Torres, and Maria Eldridge, into the family with an open heart, treating them as her own. Her greatest joy came from her role as “Grammy” to her four treasured grandchildren: Ayden Mendoza, Ava Mendoza, Killian Eldridge, and Hendrix Eldridge. From cheering on school events to showering them with hugs and laughter, Ann’s presence was a constant source of love and encouragement. Her grandchildren knew that with Grammy, they were always home.

Ann is also survived by her father, Joseph W. Miller; her mother, Vera N. Rissler; her sister, Julia Fay Miller; and her mother-in-law, Julie Killian. She is additionally survived by Duane and Lynn Killian, Dawn and Tim Dillow, and Danny and Joan Killian—extended family who loved her deeply and shared many memories across the years.

She was a strong, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate woman who gave so much of herself to those she loved and cared for. Friends and neighbors knew they could rely on her for wisdom, humor, and quiet strength. She had a unique ability to make others feel seen, understood, and supported, qualities that became even more powerful during her illness.

Throughout her journey with ALS, Ann met each challenge with dignity, courage, and grace. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the medical teams, nurses, and caregivers who stood by her side with compassion and professionalism. An exceptional and heartfelt thank you goes to Vanessa Torres, Ann’s caretaker, who became not only a trusted support but a cherished member of the family during the last year of her life. Her devotion, kindness, and love brought comfort, strength, and peace to Ann and to all of us.

Ann Killian will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Though our hearts are heavy, we celebrate the life she lived, a life marked by service, strength, laughter, and fierce devotion to the people she loved. We carry her memory forward in the lessons she taught us, the warmth she gave us, and the stories we’ll share for years to come.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association of Texas in Ann’s honor.

A visitation will be held for Ann on Friday, May 23, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, Texas 78232. Ann will be laid to rest at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery following the visitation at 2:30 PM.