Carol Ann Kimmel Moody
b. July 3, 1943 d. July 23, 2020
Ann Moody passed away on July 23, 2020 at home at Son Heaven Assisted Living in Helena, Montana.
Ann married Steve Moody, of Helena, in 1991. Steve passed away in 2015. The couple had seven children: Bill (Patty) Swaim of Thompson Station, TN; Mark (Diane) Swaim of Decatur, IL; Loraine (Joe) Wodnik, of Helena; Tupper (Adele) Swaim, of Helena; Jessica Fox, of Billings, MT; Anna Moody, of Kellogg, ID; and Sarah (Kel) Moody of Vancouver, WA. The couple had twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Ann was born Carol Ann Kimmel to Walter G. Kimmel and Carol Karraker Kimmel in Birmingham, Alabama on July 3, 1943. She was raised with two brothers, Walter James Kimmel and Ralph Grear Kimmel, in Rock Island, Illinois. She attended the University of Illinois and graduated from Illinois State University in 1971 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She graduated from Cal State LA in 1989 with her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education. Ann taught public school mathematics for 38 years in Illinois, California and, from 1991 to 2008, at Helena Middle School. She loved her students and remained in contact with many of them over the years.
Ann was a generous person with a big heart and a keen sense of humor. She was an accomplished musician and, during her long career as a math teacher, she usually had an additional job as a church musician—paid or volunteer—playing piano and organ. Her love of music and her talent as an accompanist enriched the experiences of church choir members, congregational singers, and student musicians for much of her life. Her dedication to people made Ann a mentor, sister/parent figure, and friend to many.
In their 24 years together, Ann and Steve had a lot of fun with each other and their blended families. Together they enjoyed camping and traveling which they combined with attendance at countless baseball games played by kids, grandkids, and family friends. And there was the motorcycle period….
During the last two years of her life, Ann was welcomed and loved by the staff and residents of Son Heaven in Helena, most of whom even accepted Ann’s constant companion—Lizzy, a black cat. Ann’s family members are all very grateful to the people of Son Heaven.
There will be no memorial service or event for Ann Moody at this time. When it is safe for family and friends to travel and gather together, a celebration of her life may be planned and announced.
If you would like to share a memory or story about Ann, please visit <aswfuneralhome.com>, follow the link to Ann’s obituary and you will find a place to share a photo or memory.
Denise Hayden says
So sorry to hear about Ann, She was great neighbor for a lot of years. Bill and I had a lot of laughs and fun chatting with Ann. She always wanted to know what town Bill was in, what I was up to. All though my cats never would go up to her, she always visited with them. It was so nice of Rita to bring her into Jorgenson”s for lunch so we could visit! Love to you all!
Rita A Williams says
This is hard for me to write as Ann was a very Dear and Precious Friend to me. We shared many laughs, meals, road trips, helping each other when the need was there. It has been my blessing to have had Ann in my life and I know that our lives will blend in spirit in our future space.
Love you, Ann Moody!
Rita
Judy Rolfe says
Ann will certainly be missed! She was an outstanding educator, a friend to many and my greatly appreciated PEO Sister. Thank you for all you did to make life better for everyone you touched! 💞
Dan and Toby Rieder says
I met Ann when she married my cousin, Steve. She immediately worked her way into the hearts of Steve’s extended family and attended a number of our family reunions. Just 7 years ago, she and Steve hosted a hearty luncheon for more than 50 people at one of those reunions. On behalf of our entire family, you have our deepest sympathy.
Jim Cottingham says
Mrs. Moody was one of the kindest, most genuine teachers I ever knew! When I did my student teaching I worked with her for a few days – and she was so gracious and welcoming. In my few days of working with her I knew that I wanted to relate to MY students in the same way she did to hers. I wanted to bring that same level of kindness, caring, and gentleness that she brought every day. I’m very grateful for the time I got to spend with her. And I remembered to show my work!! Thanks for caring, Mrs. Moody – and thanks for showing us all that math IS fun!
Barbara Lancaster says
Ann’s eyes always revealed her lively, loving spirit. Our occasional meetings were too few and too short! We would just fall into a good catch up session and the rest of our errands were quickly forgotten. The last time I saw her she had volunteered to play the piano for the Christmas morning worship at First Christian Church. Her music was a gift, for sure, but her presence with us was the greatest blessing. You are in our prayers,
Peggy Deveny says
I am sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. I will miss our get togethers and telling stories of our kids (some to the chargrim of the kids). She was a lovely lady and will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love to you all….
Mark Viergutz says
My sympathy to the family of Ann. Although I had not seen her in the last two years since leaving Helena, I certainly will always remember the input, experience strength and hope, humor and smiles she brought to the Candle Light Friday evening gatherings. She was a lovely lady
Janet Miller says
Ann was a joy and an inspiration . As a brilliant math teacher, she knew how to teach each child. With her husband, family, the music community, and her students, she freely gave of her love, her time, her talents, and her sense of humor. Thank you, Ann
Deb and Dave Klein says
We were so sad to hear of Ann’s passing but feel blessed to have known both Ann and Steve. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jamie Canfield Harwell says
Ann will be very much missed. She was an amazing math teacher, musician and sponsored many AA women too. She and Steve were very special to me and my family. My prayer is that Ann is back in the warm and loving arms of a higher power!
Saleana Zarske says
Sending prayers of healing and peace to the family Ann has left behind.
Ann was my teacher in the 8th grade of the school year 2006-2007. That year my mother passed away unexpectedly. She was one of the only teachers that showed compassion to me during that difficult time. I had fun in her class. She had such a big personality for how tall she was. Loved that!
She lived in Son Heaven with my Grandmother Donna who recently passed in May. I’m thankful for the friendship they had together the last years of their lives.
Ann was a wonderful lady.. I feel blessed to have known her as a teacher and later as a friend.
Terri Norman says
So sorry to hear about the passing of Ann! Ann was a great friend and mentor to me at Helena Middle School when I first started teaching. Ann had a heart of gold but also a great sense of humor! Her laugh was contagious and I will always remember her teaching in the classroom next to me and hearing her motivate students and getting them excited about math. Ann will be dearly missed–so glad I had the chance to know her!
Cal Boyle says
I will always remember Ann as our leader in the 8th grade hallway during my 1st years at HMS. Her having her morning cereal as students transitioned from class to class or out ringing her bell to get kids to their next class. She had the demeanor and humor needed to be successful as a middle school teacher. Always patient and never got to excited or upset about the goings on in the kid world. She would have made a great professional baseball player too. You couldn’t rattle her.
We will miss you, Ann!
Sheila Andich Barid says
Ann and I went through Audubon School, Washington Junior High and Rock Island High School together in Rock Island, Illinois. Though we lost touch over the years, her passing strikes an especially melancholy note with me because of our long acquaintance and the memories it evokes. I can remember standing behind her in line while going somewhere with our elementary school class, and looking longingly at the long red pony tail she often had, and wishing my hair could be that color. Her family lived in a large old house, with 3 stories, and her dad had his office on the third story – quite an unusual thing to me. Her mom was very active in Girl Scouting, so she knew all of us little girls who were in scouts, and was often a Scout leader for our various troops.
I remember Ann as smart, sassy, and lots of fun to be around. The last time I saw her, at our 50th high school reunion, she was the same (OK, maybe more wrinkles, like all of us, but more wisdom, too!) I got to meet the daughter who had accompanied her, and that was a treat, too.
Remembering Ann gave me a trip down Memory Lane, and though I’m very saddened for the reason for this trip, I’m glad to read how loved and special she was to her family and those who knew her well. Please accept my condolences for the loss of your beloved mother.
Julie Connell Potter says
Ann’s 55th H.S.Class Reunion. Pictured; Ann with her daughter,
Classmates Carrol Shearer Brandt & Julie Connell Potter.
Ann & her family were dear to my heart. Ann & her mother Carol, hosted a baby shower for me years ago for my only child, now
The Reverend Dawn Marie Stegelmann. My love & prayers extended to Anne’s family.
Julie Connell Potter
Darien, Ct,
Terri Kunz says
Ann and Steve were inspirations to me. Steve was the officiant at our wedding and Ann played music. SAnn’s love for music was apparent when she played for our many cantada’s at Clancy Church. She is so missed. Her smile, wit and great love for the Lord.
Deepest sympathy, Terri and Bob Kunz
Marta Ernst says
Anne you are an angel. I met Anne on my first teaching job at the Middle School. She was supportive and helpful. If i had a problem or just wanted to laugh I could find Anne and she would take time out of her busy schedule to help out. She was a brilliant math teacher as well and I learned how to teach math better by watching her engage students. She will be greatly missed. Love you Anne
Marta Ernst says
Anne you are an angel. I met Anne on my first teaching job at the Middle School. She was supportive and helpful. If I had a problem or just wanted to laugh, I could find Anne and she would take time out of her busy schedule to help out. She was a brilliant math teacher as well and I learned how to teach math better by watching her engage students. She will be greatly missed. Love you Anne
Isabel Irene Olivia says
Glee Club at Rocky was always fun sitting next to Ann. Loved it. Happy times.
Cathy Hovelan says
Ann was a kind wonderful lady who touched the lives of many. She gave the most valuable gift to those that knew her, the gift of her time and love. She will be forever in our hearts
Marilyn Hayes says
I had the pleasure and honor to teach with Ann on a two person team at HMS. She was so fun and ready to try anything, even agreeing to naming ourselves the Carpe Diem team and helping the kids make teeshirts with the print of a carp. She was a fantastic Math teacher and so very patient and kind to each and every student.
I believe she truly loved every kid and never gave up on any.
Christian Munck says
Mrs. Moody was one of the few math teachers I encountered who recognized I wasn’t talented at numbers, and was patient and willing to adjust her skills to fit mine. I thrived in her class in a manner I rarely did in math classes. I was a bit of a jerk at 14 yrs old, and she gave me detention at least once. But I deserved it. She was a wonderfully talented educator. I’m so sorry kids in Montana no longer get to benefit from her talents.
Deb Kralicek says
What can you say about Ann? She was kind, caring, a great neighbor, wise, talented, amazong. Ann lived next to my folks for several years and a great bond was made between her and my mom in particular. Ann would always check on mom if I was not available and they would have coffee or maybe a glass of wine here and there and talk for hours. Ann and mom would sit for hours on the porch swing and talk or just sit. She came right over and spent most of the day with me after mom passed away. She was a good friend to all. She will really be missed.
Susan Nimick says
Ann was a wonderful colleague at HMS. She was so patient and thoughtful, and engaged so easily with all students. She listened to everyone, students and staff, relating so well to middle school kids. I’ll never forget the Thanksgiving that she invited me to join her family when at the last minute my plans fell through. I’ll never forget her cheerful smile and her love of cats.