Annalea Teeters

SANDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. -- Annalea "Ann" Burkett Teeters, 89, of Sands Township entered eternal life Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012, at the home of her daughter, Cheryl Teeters, with whom she made her home.

She was born June 20, 1923, in Bowers Mill, Mo., daughter of Horace Evans and Clara Brinkmann Burkett.

Ann was raised in Bowers Mill and La Russell, Mo. She graduated from Carthage High School in Carthage, Mo., leaving just before graduation ceremonies to hop a train headed for Washington, D.C., to work in one of the many clerk positions offered by the Pentagon, which was under construction. It was during the war years and employment opportunities for women clerks were plentiful.

After a two-year period, Ann relocated to Miami, where she was employed as a clerk in one of the first Woolworth Five and Dime stores. It was in Miami that she met her future husband, Howard Glen Teeters, who was serving in the U.S. Army and stationed in Havana, Cuba.

They were married in 1944, with Howard serving in the military while Ann continued working in Miami. Following the war's end, the couple moved to Lutesville, Mo., where Howard finished requirements for a bachelor's degree and Ann assumed the role of stay-at-home mom. When Howard accepted a teaching position in Ste. Genevieve, Mo., and later Bernie, Mo., the family relocated and while in Bernie, Ann worked for the local school.

In 1952, the family moved to Hayti, Mo., where Howard accepted a principal's position and Ann was employed in seasonal work as a clerk at a cotton gin. Other moves were in the making and in Caruthersville, Mo., Ann worked as a bank teller and loan officer and Howard served as high school principal and later as a regional HUD supervisor.

The couple made one more move together to Cape Girardeau, with Ann employed in several positions but primarily as a school secretary. Following the end of the marriage, Ann was a travel agent with AAA, enjoying opportunities for travel and adventure. She later was employed as a clerk-baker with My Daddy's Cheesecake until her retirement.

Ann moved to Marquette, Mich., in 2004, residing at Lost Creek, and in 2009 she moved to live with her daughter. She enjoyed a full, vibrant and varied life, was well-traveled and readily shared her experiences and wisdom with others. Ann was a superb bowler and bowled in several leagues in Caruthersville and Cape Girardeau. She was also an avid golfer, familiar with several courses and always up for the challenge.

In Marquette, Ann was a strong supporter of NMU athletics (while remaining loyal to Missouri college sports teams), and enjoyed interacting with students from the university. She maintained a golf membership in Gentz' Homestead Golf Course.

Ann is survived by her daughter, Cheryl E. Teeters of Sands Township; two nieces, Patricia Ann Guinn and Linda Heman; a nephew, Freddie Whitehead, all of La Russell; many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews; and many beloved friends.

In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by two sisters, Betty Millett and Erma Whitehead; a brother, James W. Burkett; and former husband, Howard Teeters.

Celebrations of her life are planned in Marquette, Cape Girardeau and La Russell this summer, and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Red Cross are preferred.

Fassbender Funeral Home in Marquette is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderfuneralhome.com.