Ann Elizabeth Kempton, 66
Ann was born April 29, 1956 in Clinton, Iowa to Dr. Donald F. and Dorothy “Dode” L. Mirick.
She had a very active childhood and was quite a "tomboy" in her youth, spending much of her time in sports and the outdoors at the family cabin on the Mississippi River. She was an avid snow skier, played softball and volleyball, and was on her high school swim team. Ann attended Clinton High School in Clinton, Iowa, graduating in 1974. At CHS she lettered in volleyball and swimming. Ann was very popular in her class and had many friends.
In 1976, Ann moved to Glenwood Springs, Colorado to be closer to family who had relocated there. While living in Glenwood, Ann met and married Curt Kempton on June 23, 1984. Ann and Curt have two daughters - Melissa and Lucille, "Lucy". Seeking a change, Curt and Ann relocated to Mesa, AZ in 1994 and resided there until 2010, when they moved to Bigfork, Montana to care for Annie's mother Dorothy and her step-father David Sivright, Sr.
Oh how Annie loved Montana! Ann was known as the “Bingo Lady” at the Bigfork VFW and the “Poppy Lady.” She had a special love of the people, horses, dogs and birds, especially her hummingbirds, geese and wildlife that visited her home. In fact, many knew Ann by her nickname of "Bird" or "Birdie". Her brothers gave her this nickname as a child because she always ate like a bird! Annie became very active in the Bigfork VFW Auxiliary as President and easily made many lifelong friends. In the Auxiliary, Ann was able to utilize her best skills; of great organization, express her caring personality and her much love of fun. She loved her Denver Broncos!
Ann is survived by her husband Curt, daughters, Melissa Crayton (of Orlando, FL) and Lucy Hurst (of Mesa, AZ) and a step-daughter Lindsay (of Texas), as well as two granddaughters, Ava and Isabella.
Other family who will cherish and honor Annie's memory are; her only sister, Mary Fleming of Newcastle, CO, her brothers - Dr. Mark (Liz) Mirick of Hopkins, MN, Erik (Phoebe) Mirick of Georgetown, TX, step-brothers - David (Rita) Sivright, Jr. of Clinton, Iowa and Peter Sivright of Australia, as well as numerous nephews & nieces and her beloved special friend, Susan Brignone.
A Memorial Service is planned for her birthday, 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Bigfork VFW. Donations in Annie's memory may be made to: VFW Post 4042 - 8098 Montana Hwy 35, Bigfork, MT 59911. To send online condolences, please visit www.columbiamortuary.com.