A Christian soul went to be with the Lord on Monday, December 16, 2024.

Elsie Ann Fondren Tunnell enjoyed life on this earth but looked forward to the glorious love offered in Heaven. She was married to the love of her life, Freddie Andrew Tunnell on June 2, 1972.

Ann was born November 22, 1942, in Merkel, Texas in the doctor's office above the drug store. Can you imagine her Mother Neola in labor climbing stairs? She remained an only child. Ann's father Bert was in the Army and her nomad life began at six months of age. Army life moved them from Rhode Island to Massachusetts to Vermont.

After the Army, the family moved to Cuero, Texas and remained there for several years. They then moved to Tyler, Texas for Ann's fifth grade then Oklahoma City for her sixth grade through eleventh grade and El Reno, Oklahoma for twelfth grade. After graduation they moved to Plainview, Texas. When she was on her own, she moved to Lubbock, Texas, and from there to Colorado then to California and then Dallas, Texas.

In Dallas, she was employed by Texas Instruments for 26 years. While at TI she was introduced to Freddie Tunnell who also worked at TI. They were married several months later. Ann and Freddie had 52 years of wedded happiness and love of each other.

After retirement from TI, she enjoyed casual caring for step grandchildren Brittany, Grant, Tyler and Callie until Freddie retired and they moved to their summer home in the beautiful San Juan mountains of Lake City, Colorado. Ann loved the small-town environment, the beautiful mountains and glorious snow. Freddie, who shoveled snow from decks and plowed driveways, was not so much a fan of the snow.

Freddie and Ann completed the construction of a 950 square foot living quarters above their garage for Ann's mother Neola Fondren where she lived.

After living 8 years in Lake City (8800 feet above sea level) they reluctantly sold their home and moved back to Texas. Ann missed Lake City and had dreams of their home.

Upon moving back to Texas, they settled in the Sherman/Denison area. Ann's years here were a pleasure. Freddie got into the cattle business on a small scale and plans revolved around feed days.

Freddie was a loving husband, patient, thoughtful and considerate. Ann was thankful for him all the days of their married life. She also cherished his children by a previous marriage, Dena and Kirk.

Ann was predeceased by parents Neola Dean Eastman Fondren and Clabert (Bert) Fondren, cousins Janyce Lobban Morgan and husband Bryan Morgan.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years Freddie Andrew Tunnell, step daughter Dena Harris and husband Jay, granddaughter Brittany Harmon and husband Mark Harmon, great granddaughters Kinsley Harrison and Kolbie Harmon and grandson Grant Harris, stepson Kirk Tunnell and wife Sabina Tunnell, grandson Tyler Tunnell, granddaughter Callie Tunnell Klaerner and husband Rob Klaerner and great grandson Jackson Klaerner, Sister-in-law, Patricia Sawyer and husband Dempsey, Nephew Steve Moore and wife Jan, Guy Moore, cousins Zachery and Chloe, Niece Cheryl Lynne Praadzik and cousins Mike Hudson and daughter Ashley Hudson, and cousins Ryan Kee and wife Stephanie, Kayden, Ryder, and Skylee Kee. Cousins Sterling Stark, Markie Stark Atkission and family, Nephew Kimberly Bruce Tunnell, and cousin Chris McGuire, Godson Skyler Douglas Jesse, Cousins Ellen, Allison and their daughters Kim and Shelly, David Jones and wife Jody.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, at Waldo Funeral Home.

A funeral service honoring Ann's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 21, at Waldo Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Novice Northington and Ken Mullins will officiate.

Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, at Union Chapel Cemetery, near Van, TX.

Online condolences may be made at www.waldofuneralhome.com .