Edith Ann Kunze

Edith Ann Kunze, age 72, of Austin passed away on January 27, 2022. She was born on May 29, 1949, in High Point, North Carolina. Ann moved with her family to Miami in 1959, and then to Southern California in 1966, where she spent most of her life. It was there that she met her future husband, Rolf E. Kunze, at his TV repair business. They were married on April 22, 1968 and were together for 19 years. Ann had a long career as a Certified Nursing Assistant and worked as a floral designer. In her later years she relocated to Texas to be closer to family, and was a member of Austin First Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Edith Stinson, her sisters Tammy Fay Stinson and Carrie Medford and her brother Donald Stinson. She is survived by her daughters Heidi Porter and Patricia Kunze, her son Ralph Kunze (Emilie), her siblings Glenn Stinson (Ruth), John Stinson (Linda), Jerry Stinson (Unni), Tommy Stinson (Lydia), Judy Lane (Bob), Dreama Brollier (Stephen, Sr.), Lourie Stinson (Virginia), Mary Jo Stinson (Ruben), and her former sister-in-law Sherry. Ann is also fondly remembered by her grandchildren Cody Porter, Ashley Bird, Madisyn Kunze, Julianna Kunze, and Corey Kunze, and by her great-grandchildren Hunter Bird and Colt Bird.

Ann played many roles in her long, active life. She loved her apartment on the beach in Long Beach, the many walks and time shared with friends and family, hosting gatherings, fun, fellowship and relaxation. She was a creative genius whose talents ranged from crafting beautiful floral arrangements to designing and making her own outfits and clothing for her children and others. A true glass of fashion, she would only go out if “dressed to the nines”, with matching dress, gloves, shoes, purse and hat. And those hats! While still young, she acquired the nickname “Sister Hattie”, in recognition of her large hat collection. She could go for many weeks without wearing the same one twice. 

Her children were the center of her life. She took care to ensure that they were raised in a Christian environment. From Sunday School and midweek Bible Study, to youth camps (at which she sometimes served as camp nurse), camp meetings, youth services, Bible quizzing, and daily prayer and scripture reading, she and the children were involved in everything.  Ann made sure to lead her children by example, and they would frequently awaken early in the morning to the sound of her praying and reading the Bible in the next room. She loved giving gifts, and each Christmas every child, grandchild, niece and nephew found something from Ann under the tree.

After the children grew up and moved away, she communicated regularly with them and visited in person as often as time and her budget would permit. She disliked flying, so she was able to indulge both her love for her family and her lifelong love of trains by riding the Sunset Limited from California to Texas to be with family.  After relocating to Austin, she was faithful to the end, attending services at Austin First Church on Sunday and Wednesday every week until her health no longer permitted her to do so.

Mom, we are heartbroken that you have left us, but we rejoice at the knowledge that you are now face-to-face with our Lord. We look forward to reuniting with you in Heaven on that glorious day. In the meantime, life goes on – but with a little less color, a little less style, and a little less beauty. We love and miss you so much.

A memorial service for Ann will be held at Austin First Church, 4557 State Highway 71 East, Del Valle, Texas on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 5:00 in the afternoon. Visitation with the family will be held prior to the service beginning at 2:30.