Ann Kleine

Ann was born to Lois (LaPrade) and W. H. Moulton on February 6, 1935, in Mount Pleasant, Texas, in Titus County. She graduated from Mount Pleasant High School in 1952, where she was a cheerleader. Ann attended Tyler Commercial College, in Tyler, Texas on a Business & Professional Women’s scholarship. She also attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

As a young girl, she enjoyed being with her family, especially her brother Bill Moulton. After her sister-in-law’s untimely passing, she helped raise her nieces (Linda and Cindy) and nephew (Billy). She loved them as if they were her own children.

Ann worked for American Petrofina Oil Company. Then, she worked for American Liberty for five years. She was an American Airline Stewardess for two years, before she met and married the love of her life, Bill Kleine. To this marriage, they were blessed with four children: Mary Ann, Wally, Kathy, and Emily. Ann enjoyed motherhood to the fullest.

During her lifetime in Midland, Ann dedicated herself to community service. One of the passions of her life was volunteering at Midland Memorial Hospital. She served for over forty years with the Midland Memorial Auxiliary. During that time, she held many offices, twice serving as President of the Midland Memorial Auxiliary. She served as Quality Improvement Chairman for two years. Ann also served as Chairman of the Ways and Means and Projects Committees. She is a Lifetime Member.

Ann served as a member of the Board of Trustees of Midland Memorial Hospital for three terms. Subsequently, she became a member of the Board of Governors. Upon Ann’s decision to step down from board service, Midland Memorial Hospital elevated Ann’s title to Board of Governors Member Emeritus.

Ann was an active member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Midland, Texas for more than fifty-five years. She was a member of the St. Ann’s Altar Society for more than forty-five years, serving as President twice. Ann cherished teaching her children to clean the altar as hand maids, and lovingly care for all liturgical vestments that are needed for the Celebration of Mass. Ann, along with Bill, instilled a deep faith of God in all of her children. This may be her greatest achievement.

Over the years, Ann and Bill enjoyed delivering Meals on Wheels to those in need. They served as honorary co-chairs for an annual garage sale, benefitting the organization. In one of the many articles written about Ann, she said: “Our children were instructed they have a duty to be volunteers and to make a difference in the lives others.”

In 2013, Ann was recognized with the esteemed Golden Deeds Award, presented to her by the Midland Exchange Club. This honor is reserved for, “the quiet good deeds of America’s unsung heroes.”

Ann was a generous and loving person, offering a helping hand to many. As one longtime friend shared, “Ann had the glow of Christ in her face. Her faith was amazing, and her love for family was so touching.” Another longtime friend shared, “She always made me feel so loved.”

She was preceded in death by her parents (Lois LaPrade and W.H. Moulton), son, husband, brother, and sister-in-law. She is survived by her children: Mary Ann (Pete Melanson) Kleine, of California; Kathy (Joe) Copeland, of Montana; Emily (Eric Button) Kleine, of Austin, Texas. She is also survived by her nephew (Billy Moulton), nieces (Linda Moulton Turman and Cindy Moulton Carlson), along with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to the following: Ann Kleine Nursing Scholarship of Midland Memorial Hospital; St. Ann’s Catholic Church, ATTN: Altar Society; Senior Life of Midland (Meals on Wheels).

Public viewing and visitation will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 2-6 PM at Ellis Funeral Home, 4616 N. Big Spring St., Midland. The Rosary will follow at 7 PM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 1906 W. Texas in Midland. Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 2 PM at St. Ann’s Catholic Church followed by interment at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4616 N. Big Spring St., Midland.