Laura "Ann" Claxton, 88, passed away on January 25 ^th with family by her side.

Ann was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to James and Aileen Vardaman.

In 1952 she married Marshall Killingsworth. As an Air Force wife, she lived in England, South Carolina, Texas, Taiwan and California.  While living in Taiwan Ann, an accomplished seamstress, learned pattern design. At the time, many people still made their own clothes. Ann wrote a book that broke down the techniques of altering patterns so even a novice could draw their own patterns for clothing that would fit them. She also learned the art of batik and this was her first step into the visual arts which would later become her passion.

When Ann's marriage ended in 1978 she took a car trip in search of an artist community where she could pursue and develop her interest in art. She made a stop in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.  She was having a drink in the bar of the Crescent Hotel when a man stepped up to the bar and ordered a drink.  As he waited for his drink the man, Forrest Claxton, joined the conversation Ann was having with another patron.  Soon it was just the two of them at the bar.  They moved to a table and ordered dinner. As Ann recalled the moment, the ease of their conversation allowed them to lose track of time. Hours later they were the only ones left in the restaurant.  Two years later they married and enjoyed 36 years together, most of the time in Springfield, Missouri.

Friends and family know Ann was an incredible woman. She once owned a construction company in Austin, Texas.  She upholstered cars that her first husband and sons restored.  Ann and her husband, Forrest, built a house together and she became a master at hanging sheetrock.  She became an artist in her own right, not for monetary gain but for enjoyment.  She loved watercolor and colored pencil.  After Forrest died, she continued to paint and started sharing her knowledge with other aspiring artists.

She was a great mother and taught her children to be kind, respectful and resourceful.

Ann is survived by a sister, three sons, one daughter, one stepson, three nephews, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Private service will be held later.