Villa Ann Statler Schaa

CONWAY, Ark. -- Ann Schaa died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020, in Conway at the age of 84.

She had been an airman in the U.S. Air Force, a housewife, a mother and an aide at the Arkansas Children's Colony in Conway.

Ann was born March 23, 1936, in Sedgewickville, Missouri, to Ishmael Duel and Audrey Ayers Statler.

Ann graduated from Jackson High School in 1954. She decided that she wanted to see the world, so with her uncle's guidance, she joined the U.S. Air Force. Her military basic training was at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. Her first military assignment was with the medical facility at Lackland, where she met her husband-to-be. They toured the world, and most of the United States, as a military family and during their retirement years.

With her husband, she walked miles in Conway for daily exercise, and the couple became known as the "walkers." Renovation crews would invite her and her husband to tour the houses that were being remodeled.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, James Schaa; son, Bruce (Wendy) of Hillsboro, New Mexico; daughter, Ruth of Pocahontas, Arkansas; sisters, Sammie (Jerry) Henson of Parkville, Missouri, Maye Hohenwater of Buck, Pennsylvania, and Keron Burget of Buffalo, Missouri; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mayme Rutherford of Godfrey, Illinois, and Sheron Carter of Holtwood, Pennsylvania; and brothers, Charlie Statler of La Monte, Missouri, and George Statler of Memphis, Tennessee.

A memorial service will be held at the National Military Cemetery in Fort Smith, Arkansas, after the COVID-19 health crisis has abated to a safe level.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Air Force Memorial or Women in Military Service for America Memorial, both in Arlington, Virginia.

Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway is in charge of arrangements.