Annette Joens

Visitation will be from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Ohde Funeral Home in Manning. Graveside services will follow at 3:00 PM on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Manning Cemetery in Manning.

Annette "Ann" Lee, daughter of Raymond and Phylis (Dalgety) Ehlers, was born November 21, 1942, in Manning, Iowa. After graduating from Manning High School, Ann worked at the Manning Ford dealership as a bookkeeper.

She met her future husband Roger Joens when he came into the Ford garage where she was working. The couple were united in marriage on June 24, 1962, at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning. Roger's career required several moves and in 2001 they retired in Harvest, AL. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary surrounded by family and friends.

Ann held various jobs during which included working at JC Penney and being a real estate agent. With each move, Ann became active in the local Lutheran church ministries. Upon their final move to Harvest, AL, she started the Comforters Ministry at Messiah Lutheran in Huntsville, AL. Under her leadership, the Comforters continue to be a strong and self-sufficient ministry at Messiah after 20 years, and is responsible for sewing over 100 quilts annually for Lutheran World Relief, and to crochet or knit prayer shawls for those in need of special prayers.

Ann had successfully battled three types of cancer for over 50 years but ultimately succumbed to kidney failure due to radiation treatments. "You have fought many battles in the kingdom of earth and have fought to the end, now you move on to peace in the kingdom of heaven and God."

On Wednesday, August 17, 2022, Ann passed away at Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care in Huntsville, AL at the age of 79 years, 9 months, and 26 days.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents Raymond and Phylis Ehlers.

Ann is survived by her husband, Roger Joens of Harvest, AL; two children: Kim Joens of Monroe, GA and Russell Joens and wife Casie of Madison, AL; three brothers: Allen Ehlers and wife Becki of Manning; Charles "Chuck" Ehlers and wife Nadine of Manning; and Bob Ehlers and wife Brenda of Manning; 2 grandchildren; Elizabeth (Joens) Mott and husband Patrick of Madison, AL and Matthew Joens of Madison, AL. Ann is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews Andrea Hoffmeier, Ericka Irlbeck, Crystal Ehlers, Michaela Sander and husband Scott, Bridget Gore and husband Mike, Jason Ehlers and wife Ambria, Ashley Singsank and husband Josh, and Amber Croghan and husband Eric; 18 great-neices/nephews; Teah Hoffmeier, Takoda Hoffmeier, Takara Hoffmeier, Haylie Irlbeck, Morgan Irlbeck, Brianna Sander, Devyn Sander, Paige Davis, Claire Gore, Noah Gore, Robert Gore, Evelyn Gore, Jackson Ehlers, Carter Ehlers, Drake Singsank, Taylor Singsank, Jade Croghan, Lexi Croghan; along with other relatives and many friends.