Ann Estelle Tillman, 88, Linn, passed away Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Miller County Care and Rehab Center in Tuscumbia.
She was born on April 27, 1938, to the late Joseph and Mary (Eisterhold) Lauberth.
She was united in marriage to Joseph Tillman on May 21, 1960, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Freeburg.
After graduating from Fatima High School in 1956, Ann moved to St. Louis to work at Wagner Electric. Followed by many happy years serving children as a cook for the Mehlville School District. Retirement brought her back to Osage County where she found great enjoyment working and sharing her joy at Bailey’s Learn & Play. She was affectionately known as “Grannie Annie.”
Ann was a faithful member of St. George Catholic Church and was active in her community through St. Ann’s Sodality, the Lions Club and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She valued her faith, enjoyed serving others, and was always willing to give her time wherever she was needed.
Ann found great joy in cooking and was happiest when she had the opportunity to feed others. Her kitchen was often a place where something good was being made, especially her blackberry pies, jams and jellies. She also generously gave her time to help prepare funeral meals, always willing to lend a hand and care for others through a home-cooked meal.
When she wasn’t in the kitchen, Ann enjoyed being outdoors, tending her garden, feeding her hummingbirds, reading and doing ceramics. She was also a faithful bingo player. These simple things brought her happiness and gave her many wonderful memories throughout the years.
Ann also loved to travel and had the opportunity to see many special places, including Ireland, Alaska and Mexico. She especially enjoyed traveling with the bank club and the friendships and experiences that came along with those trips.
Those who knew Ann knew that she was a worrier; so much so that if she wasn’t worried about something, she could probably find something to worry about. It was simply part of her caring nature. She was always there for the people in her life, ready to help however she could, and her kindness and concern for others will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.
Ann was preceded in death by husband of 47 years, Joseph; parents, Joseph and Mary; brother, Jerome Lauberth; and sisters, Delores Cernich and Sr. Dorothy Lauberth.
She is survived by children, Julie Ridenhour and husband Kenny of Eugene and Joseph Tillman; brother, Joseph Lauberth and wife Jane; grandchildren, Trey Hargrave, Kyle Hargrave and wife Rachel, Kyndra Ridenhour, Alya Rodriguez, Destanie Thomas and husband Ian, Nick Allee and wife Katie and Troy Wieberg; 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Visitation will be held from 9 until 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 19, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. George Catholic Church in Linn, with the Reverend Colin Franklin officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at St. George Parish Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. George Catholic School.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
