Ann C. Schroeter

Ann C. Schroeter passed away November 21, 2009, at her home of four years, Sombrillo Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Los Alamos, NM, at the age of 85. Ann was born Lula Ann Clark on October 15, 1924, in Arcola, Illinois, to John Henderson Clark and Lelia Ellen Clark. She was the youngest of seven including a sister who died as an infant. Ann left Arcola after high school and moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where she worked in a department store and joined the USO to provide dance partners for the troops stationed in Louisville. It was at the USO that she met the love of her life, Theodore (Ted) H. Schroeter, Jr. Upon the end of WWII, she traveled by train to New Mexico to be married in Grant County. She and Ted raised two daughters in Grant County, where Ann lived until Teds death in 1976. Ann was active in Martha Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and in the First United Methodist Church, Bayard, New Mexico, and worked for the Silver City Daily Press for fifteen years. Most of all, she was devoted to her husband, her children and her grandchildren. After Teds death, she moved to Odessa, Texas, to be closer to her oldest daughter. For many years, she traveled between the homes of her two daughters, spending time with her four grandchildren. Her family circle was expanded in 2005 when she moved into Sombrillo Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she found a loving and caring staff. Ann was preceded in death by her father and mother; her four brothers, Armond, Frank, Jim, and John; her two sisters, Amy Letner and Myrtle Clark; her husband Ted; and her son-in-law, David Whytlaw. She is survived by her daughters Penny Whytlaw of Little Elm, Texas, and Debbie Reiss of Los Alamos, New Mexico; her son-in-law Rick Reiss; her grandchildren Tom Whytlaw and wife Jennifer of Frisco, Texas, Brian Whytlaw and wife Reagan of Odessa, Texas, Rikki Reiss Bettinger and husband Chris of San Antonio, Texas, and Jason Reiss of McKinney, Texas. She is also survived by five beautiful great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. The circle of life goes on. The family would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to the present and past staff of Sombrillo who gave of themselves to provide a safe and loving place for Ann to spend her last days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Los Alamos Retirement Community (the non-profit organization for Sombrillo) 1010 Sombrillo Ct., Los Alamos, NM 87544, or to a charity of your choice. A celebration of life will be held in Grant County next summer. The guestbook can be signed at www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com. Ann will be laid to rest with her husband in Ft. Bayard National Cemetery, Ft. Bayard, New Mexico, but we all know she is dancing in heaven with the love of her life. Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola (505) 753-2288 toll free (800) 443-4854 www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com