Kathleen Kurz

Kathleen Ann Lee Kurz, 90, moved from hugging her children to hugging Jesus on January 3, 2026. Known as Ann, Mom, Gramma, and Great Gramma, she was surrounded by her children at home when she took her last breath on this earth.

Born on November 28, 1935, in Lima, Ohio. She was the eldest of 8 brothers and sisters with two older stepbrothers. She married Karl W. Kurz on June 19, 1955. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee and Philomena Kathryn Lee, stepbrothers, James Lee and William Maus, sisters, Virginia Lhamon and Janet Crish, and the love of her life, husband and soul mate, Karl W. Kurz.

She is survived by her three children, Kaye (Gary) Thompson, Karl (Beth) Kurz, and Brenda (Abe) Wyant, eight grandchildren, Zachary (Courtney) Wyant, Staci (Joseph) Towns, Jessica Wyant, Karl W. (Caitlin) Kurz, Kari (James) Perry, Lauren (Matt) Sinclair, Klark (Polly) Kurz, and Caleb (Shelby) Thompson; 15 great grandchildren, Katy, Everett, Kannon, Riley, Karlie, Knightly, Holland, Micaiah, Evangeline, Colt, Koda, Selah, Quinn, Abigail and baby Perry due in June. She is also survived by sisters, Patti Smith, Carol LoBue, Barbara Lee, Bette Rader and brothers Bob Lee and Frank Lee. She leaves behind countless other children that she claims as her own through years of children's ministry in church and Community Bible Study.

Ann was a red headed ball of fire, full of passion, who lived her life by serving others, especially children. God's Word permeated her life as she memorized scripture, was committed to in-depth Bible study, and prayed scripture over her children, family, and friends on a regular basis. She chose a verse for each grandchild every year and gave it to them on an index card so they would know that she prayed that verse for them all year. She boldly worshiped the Lord and if you were ever near to her when singing you knew the meaning of make a joyful noise! She often had to be restrained from trying anything and everything no matter her age or the degree of difficulty. Digging ditches, deer hunting, demo'ing rock walls in her late seventies and early eighties gives a small glimpse of her "I can do it" attitude. Even after a debilitating stroke in 2018, while living with chronic pain, she tried to help and serve everyone. She was well known for her own "hug" ministry and recruited ANYONE she met to join her in her mission to hug everyone in the world. When she hugged you, she determined when the hug was over, not you!

Ann and her husband, Karl, who beat her to the presence of Jesus in 2008, modeled the generosity of time and talents by supporting many evangelical ministries and missionaries around the world while serving together in church, volunteer fire departments, and community organizations. The legacy of this man and woman was the direct result of becoming new creations in Christ. This bold redheaded woman and quiet introverted man left a kingdom impact their children strive to emulate.

A celebration of life service will be held January 18, 2026, at Kingsland Baptist Church, Central Campus Worship Center, in Katy, Texas at 2:30 pm. Our Lord Jesus, himself may have to restrain her from attending her own service to administer hugs to all.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Happy Hill Farm (www.happyhillfarm.org).