Anna Mae “Annie” Pyle was born in Hutchinson KS at Grace Hospital, April 29, 1940. She will be laid to rest on August 31, 2026, at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, KS. Ann is survived by her husband of 58 years, Charles “Chuck” Pyle; her three children, Dana Sue Farrar of Kansas City, MO, Jennifer Ann Nicholson Stone and her husband, John Stone, of Kerrville, TX, and D.L. Scott Nicholson of Kerrville, TX; four grandchildren, Summer Farrar, Susannah Montague, Rachel Walters (Zach), and David W. Nicholson (Morgan); and two great-grandchildren, Graham Walters and Barret Nicholson.

Chuck and Ann were married at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wichita, KS, April 5, 1968.

Ann grew up in Hutchinson and attended Morgan and Roosevelt Elementary Schools, Liberty Junior High School, Hutchinson High School, Baylor University, and Hutchinson Community Junior College. At Wichita State University, she earned a B.S., an M.S. in Science, and an M.E. in Education in 1976. She later declined a full scholarship offer to pursue a doctorate at the University of Tulsa.

As a young single mother of three, Ann completed a four-year college degree in just three and a half years.

Ann and Chuck married on April 5, 1968, beginning their life together in Wichita, KS, where Chuck worked as a life and health insurance agent for Guaranteed Mutual and Ann began a long teaching career. A “teacher’s teacher,” Ann first taught at St. Marks Elementary School in St. Marks, KS, and later at Wineteer Elementary School, serving McConnell Air Force Base as part of the Derby Public Schools.

In 1974, Ann, Chuck, and their young family returned to Hutchinson, where she taught at Sherman Junior High, Liberty Junior High, Hutchinson High School, and later Hutchinson Community Junior College.

Ann was a pioneer and first-year teacher in the Hutchinson High Alternate School program, which continues to thrive today. She also helped establish tallgrass nature trails and supported improvements to the Dillon Nature Trail. Ann loved to organize, plan, and lend a hand. When necessary, she was not afraid to challenge the status quo to serve the common good.

Ann Pyle had a gift for bringing out the best in her students and others, earning their love and respect. In group settings, Annie was bright, insightful, and well regarded on the boards she served, including the Silver Haired Legislators.

At Chuck’s request, Ann became comptroller and creative contributor for Jinglesmith Productions in 1978. The company, which wrote, produced, and marketed jingles from 1976 to 2024, grew to serve national and international clients.

Annie was brilliant and creative, crafting slogans and one-liners such as “Oh! Oh! Oh! O’Reilly” Auto Parts, “Hey Culligan Man,” and “Spangles, it just tastes better!” Strategic, analytical, methodical, and insightful, she had a gift for reading a room and recognizing what was genuine.

Anna Mae loved God, her friends, and her family, and she responded to each with warmth and devotion. Grounded in Scripture and prayer, she lived as a true light and salt, sharing her faith wherever she went—in church, in faraway places, and even at the local Dillons or Walmart. Annie took the Great Commission seriously and was always joyful, uplifting, and encouraging to others.

Annie was not a performer, but she was tremendously productive in all she set out to do. She was a leader, encourager, and steadfast worker with strong common sense, follow-through, and intelligence. She also had a remarkable way of connecting with children and babies, who were naturally drawn to her.

Ann Pyle managed money wisely and cared faithfully for her home and belongings. She will be deeply missed by many, especially her loving family.

Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 407 E 12th Ave, Hutchinson, KS with Rev. Quentin Nuttmann and Pastor Henry Blickhahn officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, KS.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and can be sent in care of Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502.