Ann spent much of her childhood and adolescence in Cherryville, North Carolina, but she resided in Hickory most of her adult life. She was a member of Westview Methodist Church in Hickory.
Ann married her first love, John Propst, in 1954, and she had a wonderful life with John until his death in 2004. John and Ann had one son, Michael. Ann remarried to Robert Willis in 2007 and shared many adventures with Robert until his death in 2019.
In addition to John and Robert, Ann was predeceased by her parents Charles and Etta Hartman, sister Elaine Carroll, and brother Larry Hartman.
She is survived by her sister Peggy Hartman of Roberta, Georgia, her son Michael and his partner Andy Knapp, of Berkeley, California, stepson David Willis, of Dahlonega, Georgia, and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews.
Ann worked as a nurse for a number of doctors in the Hickory area, and she retired from Graystone Medical Center. Ann was a kind and thoughtful nurse who cared deeply about her patients.
Ann lived courageously with dementia for a number of years prior to her death. She was able to remain in the comfort of her home thanks to the dedication and loving care provided by a team of caregivers (“Team Annie”) — Betty Flowers, Holly Fink, Bobbie Halle, Jennifer Deese, Ally Deese, Frances Cornwell, and Kathie Gehringer. Ann and Michael cannot thank Team Annie enough for their kindness and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Cooperative Christian Ministries.
A funeral service will be held at Drum Funeral Home in Hickory on Friday, October 7 at 11:00 am. A private burial will be held after the service.
Condolences may be sent to the Willis family at www.drumfh-hickory.com.
Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Willis family.
