Montrose -- Longtime Montrose resident, Ann Elizabeth Distel, age 92, died Tuesday evening, Sept. 12, 2006, at the Montrose Memorial Hospital.

Born on Nov. 25, 1913, in Topeka, Kan., Ann Elizabeth Holzmeister was the daughter of Jacob and Anna (Pretiger) Holzmeister. She spent her childhood and received her education in Delta.

On June 22, 1933, Ann was united in marriage with the love of her life, John Peter Distel Jr. John preceded Ann in death on July 31, 1991, in Montrose, Colo.

Ann was a homemaker, wife and mother. She moved from Kansas to Delta, and then moved to Blue Water, N.M., before making her home in Montrose until the time of her death. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Montrose. Ann loved fishing and boating. There is so much we will remember of Ann's 92 years of life -- her smile, her laugh -- all those times that never could have been lived with anyone but Ann. She will be deeply missed.

Ann is survived by her sister, Regina Fisher, of Gallup, N.M.; and a sister-in-law, Georgia Lee Holzmeister, of Montrose, Colo.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Anna Holzmeister; sisters: Mary Holzmeister Distel, Katherine Holzmeister Suppes, Margaret Holzmeister Dukart, Florence Holzmeister Aldrich, and Rose Holzmeister Johnson; and brothers: Pete Holzmeister, John Holzmeister, Casper Holzmeister, and Jake Holzmeister.

A Funeral Mass to honor and celebrate Ann's life will be officiated by Father Mike Walker at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Montrose. Prior to the Mass on Friday morning, visitation will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church. Rite of Committal will follow the Mass in the Cedar Cemetery at Montrose.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, In Memory of Ann Distel, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402. Arrangements are being handled under the direction and care of the Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, 802 E. Main St., in Montrose, (970) 249-2121.

Montrose Daily Press, 9/15/2006