Anna Pauline Neerings

Anna Pauline Neerings, 73, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family on the sixth of July 2015 at her home in Mesa, Arizona.

Ann was born September 21, 1941 in Safford, AZ to Donald and Lorraine Riggs. She graduated high school in El Paso. Ann later graduated with a teaching degree from Brigham Young University and began teaching elementary school in Inglewood, California. While on a blind date abalone hunting in Carlsbad, Ann met the love of her life, Raymond Neerings. They were married and sealed for time and eternity in the LDS Oakland, CA temple on June 21, 1966. While living in Carlsbad and later Oceanside, CA, Ann left teaching to raise her six children. The family moved to Mesa, AZ in January of 1981. Upon obtaining her special education teaching endorsement, she re-entered the teaching field once her youngest began junior high and retired from teaching in 2004. Ann and Ray served two full-time LDS missions as a senior couple. The first was in Palmyra, NY in the facilities management office where Ann enjoyed the privilege of attending to the gardens at the various church sites. The second was at the audio visual department in Provo, Utah. Ann was a devoted wife, loving mother, honorable friend, trusted confidant, compassionate teacher, exemplary role model, and faithful disciple of Christ. She is loved by all those who knew her. She is the very essence of compassion and empathy. Even in her last few days, she drew upon her deep reservoirs of strength, love and faith, and her strong spirit beamed through her frail and cancer stricken body.

Ann is survived by her loving eternal companion, Raymond; her six children Scott (Tauna), Rae Lynne, Mark (Julie), Brian (Lori), Paul (Lisa), Sarah (Terry); ten grandchildren Camille, Casey, Tyler, Dallin, Conner, Mason, Audrey, Owen, Alison, and Brooklyn; and her brother Donald Riggs.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, July 13, 2015 at the LDS church, 1415 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204 (east of Southern and Stapley). At 9:00 am there will be a viewing in the Relief Society Room. The burial will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery following the service.