Ann K. Abmonius
September 30, 1947 – February 28, 2024
Ann Kellenberger Admonius, age 76, of Ocala, FL, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2024 in her home surrounded by family. Ann valiantly fought cancer for about four years.
She found joy in many things, but especially her love of horses and in her ever-expanding circle of friends, those in horses and those not. She will be greatly missed.
Ann was born in Chillicothe Ohio to Sam and Helen (Maxwell) Kellenberger on September 30, 1947. Ann grew up in rural Kingston Ohio on a small family farm. She graduated from Centralia High School in Kingston in 1965.
Ann met her future husband, Tim, while she was earning her teaching degree at Miami University in Oxford Ohio. Those of you who knew her will not be surprised to know that she asked Tim out on their first date (She was a woman ahead of her time). They married on August 22,1970. Together Ann and Tim moved to Gahanna, Ohio, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio due to Tim’s new job with Accenture (formerly the consulting division of Arthur Andersen). Ann initially worked as a math teacher at Gahanna High School. Ann and Tim relocated to Jackson Michigan for two years because of Tim’s job. The couple eventually purchased a small farm in Kingston and Ann became a stay-at-home mom for their son Jason.
The next chapter of Ann’s life included horses. Shortly after Jason was born Ann began showing at “open shows”. In the early 80’s she started to show in AQHA events. Then in 1986 she won her first “Register of Merit” and the “Justin Intermediate” of the year. She loved showing horses. Ann competed consistently at the highest levels in varied disciplines for four decades. She even qualifying for the AQHA World Championship Show in 2023, two years into her battle with cancer. Over the years she won many AQHA and NRHA titles, including multiple world championships. Tim’s job required the family to move to Maple Plain Minnesota in 1989. In 1999 the couple made their final move to their current home in Ocala Florida.
Ann loved to travel. Together Ann, Tim and Jason visited many places overseas, including Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Italy, and France. Her favorite city was Paris. She also saw many places in the US though her horse showing career.
Ann was truly an extrovert. She had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. Ann loved connecting with others. She will be missed by many.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents Sam and Helen Kellenberger; and brother Steve. She is survived by her husband , Tim; son Jason; granddaughter Arielle and adopted grandson Colin; and very special nieces and nephews Seth, Joan, Tony, Kelly and Jeff.
Ann’s service was for family only. She asked for a Celebration of Life (in her words Party) to be held June 8 in Ocala, Florida. More details will be provided later.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the charity of your choice or: The NRHA Foundation (Reiningfoundation.com/AnnAdmonius). The AQHA online (aqha.com/donatetoday) or mailed to
AQHF P.O. Box 32111, Amarillo TX 79120 https://www.cancer.org/donate.html