Annie Marie Ruth (Pohlmann) Niswonger

Ann Niswonger, 92, passed away peacefully at her home in Jackson on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, with her loving children, Dianna and Joe, at her side.

Anna Marie Ruth Pohlmann (Ann), was born May 6, 1930, in Hilderbrand, Missouri, to Charles and Hilda Pohlmann, Ann was raised with her sister and two brothers on a farm near Friedheim, Missouri. She and Harold F. Niswonger were married February 18, 1949, in Jackson, Missouri. Three children were born into their union, Dianna, Harold E., and Joe F. Niswonger. They were married only 29 years when Harold passed away August 27, 1978. Ann remained in Jackson for the remainder of her life.

Ann was a longtime member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Jackson. Her employment included the International Shoe Factory in Jackson, Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, and Visiting Nurse Association (VNA).

Ann was the rock of the family, both to her blood relatives and to those who became her family through knowing her. To know Ann was to be loved by her. She was always helping someone else while not wanting a fuss made over her. Her front door was typically left open to welcome visitors, and she insisted that everyone have enough to eat. It was far better to make room for leftovers than send a guest home hungry!

A frugal woman, Ann enjoyed the hunt of a bargain at a good garage sale. Her material treasures were simple and sentimental ones, including her collection of porcelain shoes and knick-knacks in her kitchen curio. She could tell you a story that corresponded with each item, including one that was a gift from her third-grade teacher.

With a lifespan of 92 years, it goes without saying that Ann was one tough gal. She had a stubborn streak; at her age, she was not going to quit smoking the cigarettes she hand-rolled and enjoyed immensely. She was warm and compassionate, with an outward beauty that permeated the core of her soul. The advice she offered was as sage as it was simple – slow down and enjoy yourself sometimes!

Loving survivors include two children, Dianna (the late Richard) Jungels and Joe F. Niswonger, both of Jackson; a grandson, Matthew (Kimberly) Meth, of Evansville, Indiana; two brothers, Arthur (the late Cynthia “Jo”) Pohlmann of Gig Harbor, Washington, and Edwin (Virginia) Pohlmann of Hazelwood, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews from both sides of the family. Ann was the last remaining Aunt on the Niswonger side of the family. She leaves behind many other extended family and like-family members – too many to mention. She is also survived by her two cats, Buster and Callie, both of whom she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold F. Niswonger; a son, Harold E. “Big H” Niswonger (8/24/2008); and a sister, Dorothy Meyer Waggoner.

Visitation and funeral services are on Monday, October 24, 2022, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm, immediately followed by the funeral service at 7 pm, conducted by Rev. Gary Hoffstetter. Ann will be privately interred next to her late husband at Niswonger Cemetery near Millersville, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may take the form of contributions to the donor’s choice of church or charity.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on the tribute wall tab of Ann’s obituary article at mccombsfuneralhome.com.

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