Ann Elizabeth Maryott

Ann Elizbeth Maryott, 54, of Wayne, Nebraska, passed away on March 13, 2023, at the Stanton Care Center after a year-long battle with esophageal cancer.  A visitation for Ann will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Munderloh - Smith Funeral Home in Pender, Nebraska.  A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rosehill Cemetery in Pender.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Stanton Care Center.  

Ann was born August 11, 1968, in Onawa, IA to Charles (Ed) and Jean Maryott.  She was the second of five children.  At a very young age, Ann was diagnosed as having a severe developmental disability resulting in her being non-verbal her entire life.  Through the help of kind and dedicated educators and caregivers at Region IV and NorthStar Services in Wayne, Nebraska, Ann was able to learn basic life skills and some sign communication.

Anyone who met Ann would tell you that her communication was never a problem!  She was able to get her point across and her personality always shone through – even without words.  Ann loved 80’s pop music—especially the songs from the Footloose soundtrack, car rides, coffee, food, and fashion—she was rarely without her pearls.  She loved shoes especially.  On visits home, her sisters’ shoes would often make their way into Ann’s suitcase!  Ann had a wicked sense of humor and was quick to laugh at any type of physical humor. 

Ann’s life was meaningful, and her disabilities only highlighted her many abilities.  She taught all in her circle many life lessons—the importance of resilience, the power of humor, the unity of acceptance, the gift of unconditional love, and the determination of pure grit.  To the end, she fought her battle with this terrible disease with strength and grace.

Ann is survived by her mother Jean Maryott of Sioux City, IA; brother, Charles “Chick” Maryott of Walthill, NE; sisters, Sue Maryott of Chicago, IL, Megan (Scott) Kokenge of Omaha, NE, Beth (Mark) Porter of Wisner, NE; nieces, Sydney Porter, Leighton Porter, Nora Porter, and Reese Kokenge.

Ann is preceded in death by her father Charles “Ed” Maryott; paternal grandparents, Charles “Chick” and Edna Maryott; maternal grandparents, John and Peg Murphy.

The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at the Stanton Care Center for their exceptional care of Ann over the past several months.