Anne Lenore Conrad

Anne Lenore Conrad, fondly known as “Ma” and “Big Anne” took her first breath of heavenly air on July 15, 2024 surrounded by family. Anne, 80, of Claude, TX., was born in Midland, Texas to Joe and Verna Canon on February 18, 1944 and was the second oldest of eight children. She often talked about her fond childhood memories involving her siblings, their vacations and the mischief they all got into. Anne attended St. Ann’s Catholic School during her elementary years. She graduated from Midland High School and went on to attend college her freshman year at the University of Dallas. She transferred to West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. While attending WT Anne was a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and was voted the KA Rose as well as “Best Dressed”. As soon as she graduated from WT, Anne, who was always up for an adventure, decided to go to work for Braniff Airlines as what was then known as a stewardess. After her time in the skies, she accepted a teaching position in Arizona where she taught art classes for a brief time. She eventually made her way back to Texas and reunited with a young man she had met a few years before. Anne and Glenn Conrad were married on July 20, 1968. They moved to Claude, Texas where they established their family farm and home for the last 55 plus years. Anne was a woman of strong faith who dedicated her life to caring for her family and was a do-it-yourself kind of homemaker. She was passionate about maintaining their home with the utmost care. Her children recall many times coming home from school to her on her hands and knees with a washing machine, dryer, or dishwasher disassembled so she could repair it. Anne enjoyed playing tennis, painting, swimming, fishing, camping and instilled a love of these hobbies in her children and grandchildren. Anne was an active member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, a member of Christian Mothers, a Girl Scout Brownie troop leader and a 4-H adult leader. After the children were grown and gone Anne had fun spending time with friends playing bridge with the weekly bridge group. According to Anne, her proudest accomplishment other than her children, was catching the largest fish out of the pond at the Midland Country Club when she was a child.

Anne is survived by her husband of nearly 56 years, Glenn Conrad of Claude, TX, her four children 11 grandchildren, Shannon Cornell and husband Clint of Claude(Jessica Bevill, Devin Cornell, Bradley Cornell), Chris Hall and husband Mark of Canyon (McKinsey Ogle, Kayla Stokes), Cory Thornton and husband Cade of Weatherford (C.J., Emma Thornton), and Sean Conrad and wife Christie (Alexia, Kaylee, Annelyse, and Kynlie Conrad) of Amarillo as well as 11 great grandchildren.

Her surviving siblings include Joe Ed Canon of Abilene, Mike Canon of Midland, Gerry Canon of Lubbock, Chris Canon of Canyon, Kem Canon of Wickenburg, AZ. and Tim Canon of Keller. She has also been blessed with 7 wonderful sisters-in-law, 23 nieces and nephews as well 59 great nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Verna Canon, a sister Carol Canon, a baby brother Patrick Canon and two loving brothers-in-law.

A vigil service and rosary will be held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church on July 24, 2024, at 6:30 pm. The funeral Mass of Christian Burial concelebrated by Fr. Hrudaya Raju Kondamudi, Fr. Tony Neusch and Fr. Scott Raef will be at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Panhandle, TX on July 25, 2024 at 10:00 am. In honor of Anne’s love of a vibrant palette, feel free to wear colorful clothing to her services.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, July 24th from Noon-3:00 pm at Glenn and Anne’s home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, P.O. Box 366, 110 Little Flower Way, Panhandle, TX 79068-0366 or Franciscan Sisters of Christ the Light, 119 Franciscan Way Box 906, Panhandle, TX 79068.