Edythe "Ann" Calkins, 88, of Grant, passed away peacefully November 24, 2023, at her home in Grant.
Ann was born May 4, 1935, at Lewellen, Nebraska, to Henry and Wilma Beckius. She attended school at Keystone and Ogallala.
Ann married the love of her life, Phillip Calkins, on December 28, 1972, at the Congregational Church in Grant. Together, they built a life filled with joy, wonderful memories, and six children: Teresa, Galen, Douglas, Randy, Kimberly, and Shelly.
Ann worked at TRW in Ogallala for several years before opening Ann's Lounge in downtown Grant, which she operated for nearly 40 years. Ann loved to travel, and after selling the restaurant in 2002, she enjoyed 'seeing the sights' much more often. She was an ardent supporter of her children and grandchildren and loved Grant Plainsmen athletics to the core. Ann was the type of grandma who loved being immersed in the activities of her family.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Wilma Beckius; daughter, Shelly Hatch; son-in-law, Kevin Hatch; her brothers, Donald Beckius and his wife Gloria, and Bernard Beckius; in-laws, Dayton Beckius, Ruth Troxel and Larry Troxel.
Survivors include her children, Teresa (Patrick) Swanson, Galen (Terry) Styskal, Douglas (Cynthia) Styskal, Randy (Brenda) Styskal, and Kimberly (Richard Underwood) Calkins; grandchildren, Shawna (Todd Keatley) Washburn, Sharon Washburn, Cheryl Goedert, Kyle (Megan) Hatch, Zachery (Corey Goodman) Styskal, Colby Styskal, Dustin Scholl, Alicia Rye, Jacob (Kimberly) Milner, Lance Milner, and Angela Robinson. Ann was also a proud great-grandmother to Chaz (Samantha) and Micah Cox, Cash Goedert, Tyler and Kersten Larson, Bryce Washburn, Kinsley and Knox Hatch, Ryder and Rhett Robinson, Troy Rager, Danykha and Richard Backus; along with four great-great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Beckius; in-laws, Cheryl Beckius, and Lee (Carol) Calkins; special family friend, Erin Chrisman; along with many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Ann's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where services will be streamed live.
Services will be held on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Grant E-Free Church with Pastor Russ Gaar officiating. Guests are encouraged to wear Plainsmen red in honor of Ann. Interment of cremains will be in the Fairview Cemetery at Grant.
Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.