Ann Belle Tolle left this earth on June 10, 2025 at 10:13 a.m. She is rejoicing in heaven with her love, her husband, Jim, whom she was married to for 61 years.
Ann was born in Marion, Kentucky on March 3, 1937. Her parents were Felix and Rosie Hughes. She was blessed with many siblings, Herschel, Marie, Wayne, Vicki, Ray, and John. They all preceded her in death.
Ann grew up in simpler times in rural Kentucky and was very close to her siblings. She moved to Godfrey, Illinois when she was 15 years old and began working at Beverly Farms Foundation where she tended to the babies in Mama Barnes Nursery. If anyone knew Ann, they knew that if there was a baby in the house, her arms were wide open to hold them. She had found her calling at Beverly Farms and would work in different positions including teaching the young men’s class and later teaching ceramics in their developmental training program. In all her 23 years at Beverly Farms, she loved and cared for the residents and they loved their “Ann Tolle”.
When Ann met Jim in 1953, they immediately became a couple. She had not had much experience dancing, so Jim taught her so that they and all the Tolle clan could have fun dancing. They would continue dancing throughout their marriage at the Alton VFW and other events they would attend.
Ann was blessed with three sons and a daughter; Jim of Grafton, Jeff (Linda) of Brighton, Jerry of Godfrey, and Janice Fee (Tim) of Bethalto. She was also blessed with grandchildren; Jackie Pollard (Larry), Justin (Courtney), Jerry, Jenna, Kenzi Roberson (Jake), and Tregg Fee and 2 great grandchildren, Jayda and Jaye. A special daughter-in-law, Tricia, and a grandson, Jimmy, both of whom Ann adored, that preceded her in death. Ann loved spending time with her children and all her grandchildren. She also was blessed with many nieces and nephews that she loved spending time with. Her smile would light up when they came by to spend time with her, especially when they arrived with a strawberry shake or sundae. She would enjoy telling them stories of her childhood in Kentucky, especially the one about the mule.
Ann was a member of Godfrey Congregational Church for 70 years. She acted in many roles there, but her favorite was getting to be in the nursery with the babies. She was a part of the quilting group and helped stitch many quilts over the years. She quilted at home as well, and all the family members cherish the precious handmade quilts that she made with love for them over the years.
Ann was such a sweet soul. She never had a cross word to say, was selfless, caring, and kind to everyone she met. She had a beautiful smile and an infectious laugh that will be missed by all who loved her.
Services for Ann will be at Gent Funeral Home on Monday, June 16, 2025. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. with time of funeral at 11:00. Burial will be at Godfrey Cemetery. Pastor Irene Gulovsen will officiate.
Memorials may be made to Godfrey Congregational Church of UCC. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com.
