Ann F. Ekola, 87, Appleton, Wis., formerly of Crystal Falls, passed away Saturday, January 10, 2009, at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center / Heartland Hospice, Menasha, Wis. after a long battle with cancer. She was born June 16, 1921, in Amasa, daughter of the late John and Daisy (Stone) Schamocki. On May 31, 1946, she married Ernest Ekola in El Paso, Tex. He preceded her in death on December 5, 1957. Ann grew up in Amasa and attended local schools. Making her home in Crystal Falls she worked at the Iron County Medical Care Facility in the dietary department and retiring on May 1, 1984. Ann loved to sew and bake. She loved to care for her children and grandchildren. She was always their rock of support and had a positive word to say and listened to every word they said. She was always there for all of them. Ann loved to go rummaging and shopping at the odds and ends stores. Survivors include two daughters, Sharon (Gary) Curnow, Crystal Falls, Kristine Tennyson, Appleton; five grandchildren, Michele (Michael) Bubloni, Quinnesec, Jennifer (Paul) Ballenger, Beaufort, S.C., Corey Curnow, Shiocton, Wis., Penny (Jim) Gustafson, Menasha, Dawn Stroud, Menasha; seven great-grandchildren, Tasha, Lacey, Alison, Haley, Katie, Addison, and Trevor. She is further survived by other relatives including two nieces, Lorraine 'PeeWee' (Julius) Parochelli and Virginia 'Sis' Leonardi. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Robert L. Westcott, one great-granddaughter, Sydney Ann; three sisters, Daisy Benda-Hanson, Violet Turner, Hazel Nardi; and two brothers, Daniel and William Langnese. Friends may light a candle in remembrance and leave condolences online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com The Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, is serving the family. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of services Wednesday, January 14, 2009, at Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls. Funeral services 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Rev. Michael Laakko will officiate. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Crystal Falls.