Dorothy Ann Wheeler Jenny

Ann Jenny died at her home in Gatesville after a very brief but courageous battle with cancer on Friday, November 8, 2024, with her loving family by her side. We know she came into this world on a bright, sunshiny day because that is how she lived her life every day. Born in San Antonio, Texas on April 14, 1943, she was eagerly greeted at her Georgetown home by her parents, Dr. Howard Wheeler and Jo Davidson Wheeler, and her older sisters, Sarah and Paula. Brother Howard joined the family 3 years later. Ann grew up in Georgetown and graduated from Georgetown High School in 1961, where she was involved in numerous school activities, including choir 1st soprano, Spanish club, and student council. She was elected cheerleader and football sweetheart. Ann studied voice with Frances Hausenfluke in Georgetown and sang at weddings and other events over the years.

Ann showed her artistic talents early as she and her sisters made colorful shell earrings that they sold to family, neighbors, friends, and strangers. She helped collect soda water bottles to return for pennies, sold lemonade and comic books, and babysat. In high school, she worked at the Palace Theater and Dusk Drive-In, as well as Tula's Gift Shop. While in junior high school, she and a group of friends viewed their first Academy Awards show, beginning a lifelong infatuation with the Oscars. The group met annually for the event, mainly to see the stars, the fashions, and to visit. Even when Ann was out of state, she called to be part of the fun.

After graduation, Ann attended Texas Tech University where she pledged Tri Delta sorority. The following year she transferred to the University of Texas at Austin where she graduated in 1965 with a degree in education. She taught in the Spring Branch ISD in Houston for two years before moving to England to teach with the American Schools program for 3 years. Ann and her roommate spent every weekend and holiday traveling as far as their money would take them, taking in the vast world outside of Texas. It was in Austria that she discovered the site of Julie Andrews' famous song in the movie "The Sound of Music". She was so overcome by the location that she burst into song and dance as if she were trying to audition for Andrews' job! Her beautiful soprano voice carried over the hills and made them alive with the sound of music! When she came out of her trance, she found that a tour bus had arrived; the passengers had witnessed her newfound stardom and applauded vigorously! Ann said she was embarrassed and couldn't remember if she took a bow, but she probably did!

Ann met a handsome young fighter pilot from South Carolina, David "Bubba" Jenny, who was stationed at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, England. He swept her off her feet, and they were married in Newmarket, Suffolk, England on October 3, 1970. Thus, she began her life as the ultimate military wife. She sang the lead in the musical "Sweet Charity" at an air force event. Ann and Dave were able to travel throughout Europe before coming back to the United States. Dave's assignments moved them to Air Force bases in Louisiana, Nevada where son "Tip" was born, South Carolina where daughter Jessica was born, Utah, and to Misawa, Japan. His last assignment was at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska where he retired with a rank of Colonel. They lived in Eagle River, Alaska before deciding upon their last move, back home to Texas.

Living in Houston, Ann found the lights of the big city just her style. She loved shopping, buying, and often times returning what she had bought, only to start all over again and bring home new bags and boxes of goodies. But a new adventure called, and they moved to a ranch outside of Gatesville in 2000, opening up a "Green Acres" life for both. They soon built a new home next to the existing one that was turned into a guest house.

Ann loved having family and friends anytime of the year, but especially for dove, quail, turkey, and deer hunting seasons, fishing in the big ponds, and any time was a good time to go feral hog hunting. These activities always resulted in delicious meals Ann eagerly prepared for her guests. Sitting around the campfire laughing and telling stories often followed, with the reminder "Don't forget the second piece of pie!" Family loved being at the ranch with Aunt Ann and Uncle Bubba! After growing up in Georgetown with a population of 5,000, then living around the world on military bases, and in Houston, the largest city in Texas, being on a ranch was a totally new experience that Ann embraced wholeheartedly. Ann always created a beautiful, comfortable, and welcoming home in all the places they have lived. They have made many wonderful memories, especially at the ranch in Gatesville.

Nothing was more important to Ann than her family. Blessed with three beautiful grandchildren, she found herself wrapped around their tiny fingers at birth. Devyn, Julia, and "JJ" had the most loving and attentive "Nannie" any child could hope for. Every visit was like a holiday but the true holidays were even more special. And certainly, Ann made Christmas everyone's favorite.

Preceding Ann in death are her parents, grandparents, and loving aunt, Dorothy Mills. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dave, of 54 years; son David "Tip" Jenny (Tracy) of Katy and daughter Jessica Bernethy (Justin) of Georgetown; three wonderful grandchildren, Devyn and Julia Jenny and Justin "JJ" Bernethy, Jr. Also surviving are her loving siblings, Sarah Wood of PA; Paula Doerfler of Georgetown; Howard Wheeler of Homestead Heritage at Elm Mott; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Many lifelong friends mourn her passing. Ann will be deeply missed but fondly remembered.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to Bluebonnet Hospice for their services. They also thank Caralisa Ratliff for her dedication to Ann and Dave.

Visitation will be at Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, November 14. Services will also be at Ramsey on Friday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m. with reception to follow. Burial will be at I.O.O.F. cemetery in Georgetown. Donations and memorials can be made to the church or charity of one's choice in Ann's memory.