Ann Rion

Anna Laura Rion of Belleville, IL, formerly of Farmington, passed away at her home on June 21, 2006, at the age of 86 years. She was the daughter of the late Hugh and Leona Lovette Winer. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Rion, a sister, Leona Mae "Eppy" Winer, and five brothers, Hugh David Jr. "Scotty", George Walter, Gerald Harris "Jerry", James Lovette "Jim", and Harry William "Bill"Winer. She is survived by a son Danny Rion (wife Marsha) of Springfield, IL, a daughter Priscilla Ann Russell (husband Jerry) of Belleville, IL, and a sister Mary Winer of Farmington. Five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Mrs. Rion attended Hope Church of Belleville, was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Gondola, MO, a member of the Eastern Star and a charter member of her Rebekah lodge. She is well remembered in this area for the Cowboy Church program broadcast on KFMO for many years with her husband, Johnny Rion. Following his death, she and her son continued producing this weekly program due to listener demand. She was a devoted wife and mother, and was regarded by her many friends as a good, moral, fun, and lively Christian woman. During her lifetime she recorded several records on various labels and made many personal appearances. Her husband Johnny Rion used to say that A finer woman never lived. Throughout her life she adapted gracefully to the changes in her husbands lifestyle from disc jockey to evangelist with her balanced frame of mind and great sense of humor. She was instrumental with her husband in evangelistic outreach for nearly 39 years. Friends may call at the Cozean Memorial Chapel from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday June 23, 2006. Visitation will resume at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Cozean Memorial Chapel with Rev. Howard Miller officiating. Burial will follow at the Masonic Cemetery.