WALSH – Carolin "Ann" Albers, 71, passed away on Sunday, February 11,2024, at her home in Walsh, Illinois.

Ann was born in Chester, IL to Harvey and Marion (Zang) Hartman.  She grew up going to Zion Lutheran Church and Central School, and they remained constants in her life.  Ann was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church and began playing the organ at church before she was 14, and remained an organist there her entire life, even while attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  She studied teaching, completing her student teaching at Central School before taking a position there permanently.  Ann taught there nearly all of her career and retired after 33 years of impacting students and her community.

Ann remained active in the school, helping run the Central Public Library after retirement, and added other activities including Bunco, Bible Studies, and following her grandchildren's events.   She was a sports fan – especially the Cardinals, Blues, and Chiefs, and rarely missed watching a game.  Ann loved being outside, tending to flowers, and watching the birds at her many bird feeders.  She had an ever-growing flock of peacocks and enjoyed tending to her horses and chickens with her constant sidekick: her dog, Bella.

Ann had 3 children: Paul (Jill) Albers, Kate (Takuro) Yamada, and Joel (Kelsey) Albers.  She had 8 wonderful grandchildren: Mason, Layne, Harvey, and Nila Albers, Jase and Reid Yamada, and Pierce and Hazel Albers, who could usually be found swimming in her pool (with snacks, of course!), getting ranger rides, or playing with her kittens.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, David Hartman.

Carolin, Ann, Annie, Mrs. Albers, Mom, Nana – she went by many names in her life, and was absolutely always ready to help her family, friends, and neighbors.  She is loved and will be missed beyond measure by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11:00 am, at Zion Lutheran Church, Walsh, IL, with Rev. Tim J. Heinecke officiating. Interment will be at Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, where friends may call from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and on Saturday from 10:00 am until time of service at the church.  Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church, Walsh, IL, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL, 62288.