Ann Abitz

Russann L. “Ann” Abitz, 79, of Westmoreland, Kansas, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Onaga Health and Rehab Center. She is a long-time resident of the community.

Ann was born September 19, 1945, in San Diego, California, the daughter of Charles B. and Myrtle (Bauman) Albert. She attended local grade school and in 1963 graduated from Herbert Hoover High School in San Diego. She then attended a local community college where she studied business.

Ann worked for thirty-five years as a Customer Service Representative, first for Southwestern Bell in California and in Manhattan, Kansas, then, for AT&T in Topeka. Ann was an active member of St. Luke Lutheran Church where she was confirmed on April 6, 1969. She was a long time Sunday school teacher and member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She was also a member of the Sunflower Club and enjoyed quilting at the church. In her earlier years, Ann competed in the Sunday night mixed bowling league.

Ann married Eugene Abitz on June 8, 1969, in Wheaton. Ann and Gene shared their lives together, raising their family. They loved to travel and enjoyed going to Alaska and different bowling tournaments throughout the nation. Gene survives at their home.

Ann is also survived by her children; Rachel Hougland (Daniel), Wamego, Rhonda Abitz (Michael Preston), Manhattan, and Christian Abitz (Jennifer Stillwell), Topeka; her ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, her brother, Charles Albert, Westmoreland and sister, Julia Grincewich, Henderson, Nevada. Ann was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, David Albert and Arnold “Bruce” Albert.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, August 14, 2025, at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wheaton, Kanas. Reverend Terry DeGiovanni will be officiating. Burial will follow at St. Luke Lutheran North Cemetery. The family will greet friends Thursday, August 13, 2025, from 5:30 pm until 7:30 pm, at the church. A prayer service will be held at 7:00 pm. The suggest memorial contributions to either St. Luke Lutheran Church or Onaga Health and Rehab. Please make your check to the memorial of your choice and send it in care of Campanella and Stewart Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.campanellastewart.com.