Ann G. Upchurch Lunceford, 93

The world lost a real friend on Tuesday, March 11, 2014, when Ann Gray Lunceford, long-time Coeur d’Alene resident and “Grammy” to many, passed away at Kootenai Medical Center.

Ann was born in Willcox, AZ on December 8, 1920, to James and Annie Upchurch. She grew up on a ranch in Patagonia, AZ, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. Ann then attended Phoenix Business College in Phoenix, AZ and flight school at one of the Marana military airfields in Arizona.

In 1941, Ann married Clyde Hawkins. They moved to Dishman, Wash., in 1945 to operate a fox and mink ranch. Clyde passed away in 1948.

In 1951, Ann married Charles Lunceford of Coeur d’Alene, a building contractor and co-owner of Hagen & Lunceford Plumbing and Heating. Ann and her parents purchased the Park Lane Motel in Spokane, Wash. the following year. Though bookkeeping was her vocation, people were her passion.

Ann and Charles operated Rob Roy Angus Farms west of Coeur d’Alene, where they raised their children, Anne Marie and Rob. Even beyond Charles’ death in 1987, Ann remained on the farm assisting Rob with farming, selling hay, and keeping records for his business.

Ann loved her family and was very active in her church, teaching Sunday school and playing in the bell choir. She also played the piano, taking piano lessons well into her 80's. A role model to all, Ann was a remarkable Christian woman: Kind, patient, positive and most faithful.

Ann was preceded in death by husbands, Clyde Hawkins and Charles Lunceford; parents, James and Annie Upchurch; brother, Ellis Upchurch; and son-in-law, Paul Kulinsky. She is survived by her children: son, Rob Lunceford, and daughter, Anne Marie Kulinsky; brother, James H. Upchurch; grandchildren: AnneMarie Williamson (Joel), and Bryan Ferguson (Lisa); great grandchildren: James Gray, AshlynnMarie and WeatherlyAnn Williamson; dear friend, Mariane Wilcox; former son-in-law, Paul Ferguson, one niece and three nephews; several greatnieces and nephews; and friends beyond number.

The family would like to thank the staff at Guardian Angels who took such good care of Ann. Charitable donations may be made in Ann’s name to Children’s Village,  1350 W Hanley Ave, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815.

Visitation will be held at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel, from 5-7 p.m., Monday, March 17. A Celebration of Ann’s Life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 1 p.m., Tuesday, March 18, with Pastor Matthew Erickson presiding. Graveside services and burial will follow at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens. Please visit Ann’s memorial and sign her online guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com