Anna Mae Frazier Saling

She was born in Martinez, California to Bessie Mae Thomas Frazier and Raymond Frazier, who had moved west from Oklahoma. Anna was the only girl among four brothers: Les, Ernie, Billy, and Willy. Willy survives her. She always said growing up with those protective brothers was one of her greatest blessings.

Ann was married to James Saling, who preceded her in death this past April. She was also previously married to Ken Williams and Dennis Shrode. With Dennis, she had three sons: John, Bob (who passed in 2016), and Jason. Through Ken, she gained two stepsons, Ken Jr. and Kelley, whom she loved and raised as her own.

For over four decades, Ann owned the Branding Iron Tavern. She loved her customers fiercely, and they loved her back. It wasn’t just a business. It was family.

Family was everything to Ann. She loved shopping and taking her close family on trips to Mexico, making memories that would last generations. She never had a daughter of her own, but she found one in her daughter-in-law Jennifer Shrode. Their conversations about life were a gift Jennifer will always carry. Ann even dressed baby Jason like a girl once because she wanted a daughter so badly.

She poured that same love into the many children she raised, mentored, or simply had the privilege of knowing. Her legacy lives on through her grandchildren: John and Alice’s children Caleb, Desiree, and Ryan. Jason and Jennifer’s children Joe, Jessie, and Julie. And her great-grandchildren: Jessica and Dillon’s daughters Lilly and Whitney; Joe’s children Jenna, Jase, and Jaxson. Ryan's daughter, Zoey, was born in December of 2025.”