With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved Mother Anna Clifton Lutz, who took her final bow surrounded by her family, April 21, 2026 at the age of 92. She was born to young loving parents Annabelle (McRae) and Ernest Clifton May 5, 1933, during the Great Depression in Luxora, Arkansas. Along with her sweet younger sister, Meredith Earley (John), the family moved to St. Louis, MO
Anna was extraordinarily smart, beautiful, spunky and vivacious. She was a graduate of McKinley High School. And she was proud to be the Captain of the Cheerleaders and member of the KATS Athletic Club with her life long best friend Marylou Lawson Cartlidge. She met and fell in love with Robert Emil Lutz, who absolutely adored her. They were married and soon were proud parents of Laura Lutz (Kochan) and Rob Lutz (Deanna). The family had a fun life and was active at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Laura’s musical/dance career and Rob’s sports leagues, as well as camping, family vacations and a busy social life with family friends.
Ann went to work for Ozark Airlines and then retired from Flight Operations at Trans World Airlines. In 1980, Ann and Bob were overjoyed with the debut of their “one and only” grandchild, Emily Anne Kochan. Emily was the “light” of their lives. Bob and Ann took Emily and family to lands overseas. At an early age, Emily performed in musical revues with her Grandparents.
Ann and Bob had a life well lived. They retired and wintered in South Ft. Myers Beach, FL in a great community with numerous fun-loving friends (many from St. Louis). Bob wrote and directed original musical comedies that featured Ann in the dancing chorus. They enjoyed playing tennis, golf and traveling around the world. They were married almost 53 years when Bob passed to the “Great White Way”. Ann continued an active life playing league tennis and golf until 91 years of age.
She is survived and will be greatly missed by her children Laura and Rob, granddaughter Emily, daughter In-law Deanna, her niece Bridget Earley Lutman (Mark) and her nephew Timothy Earley (Tracy).
Her spirit lives on. She was, and always will be, a force to be reckoned with.
SERVICES: Visitation at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5222 Lemay Ferry Rd. Thurs. April 30, 10 a.m. until service at 11 a.m. Interment Park Lawn Cemetery. Memorials to the Alzheimers Association or the charity of your choice, appreciated.
Always in our hearts! We will miss you. ❤️
Another great friend has left for a beautiful place and will greatly be missed. Thinking of all the good times we had on vacations and going out to dinner every Saturday night. Will always have great memories!
We were privileged to live nextdoor to Ann for almost 5 years. She was always running to golf, tennis or to play cards, but never too rushed to stop and ask how we were. My husband and I were absolutely floored when she told us how old she was! Ann was not only extremely active for her age, she was a fashion plate as well, what a beauty inside and out. On Thursday evenings she would be impeccable dressed, sitting out front waiting for her dinner date She has inspired us to age in an active and graceful manner. Rest in peace dear Ann. May her memory be eternal.
Laura and Emily,
So very sorry for your loss. She sounds like an amazing gal. And I just learned a lot about you girls and your talents. Sending thoughts and prayers. ❤️🙏
Ann radiated joy and charm on the tennis court as long as I knew her. I was fortunate to play with her in her last years of playing and Ann was always inspiring and a terrific role model. Always a joy to know her, miss her spirit. ❤️❤️❤️
My deepest sympathy to the ‘Lutz family’.
Mrs Lutz was always welcoming and kind and it was nice to have her as one of the Moms when we were all growing up.
Sending hugs ❤️
Ann was a beautiful person, good neighbor and great friend. We played tennis and did lots of fun things together. I missed her a lot when she moved to Florida. I waited every summer for her visit back to St. Louis.
Thinking of you and sending prayers
Anni