Lou Anna "Ann" VanZant

Lou Anna “Ann” (Diekman) VanZant, 96, of New Castle passed away Friday, August 25, 2023 at her
residence at Addison Place. She was born on March 13, 1927 in New Castle, a daughter of the late Carl George and Marie Margaret (Ballard) Diekman.

Ann was a 1945 graduate of Rushville High School and has been a member of the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle for over 50 years. Prior to and following graduation, Ann worked at her parents’ bakery in Rushville, Quality Bake Shop. Over the years, Ann was also employed by Frank’s Furniture Store, Ingersol Steel and prior to retirement, Henry County Hospital; Her skillset while employed centered around insurance and billing. Ann spent 25 years working at the New Castle High School where she taught cake decorating. She was also a 25-year member of the Kappa Delta Phi Sorority and enjoyed quilting and word search puzzles. Ann loved her grandchildren very much but her cats come in a close second. Earlier on in life, Ann and her husband, Robert spent lots of time traveling to places in the South West US and Hawaii; there was a special trip with the grandchildren to Wisconsin, the same place where Ann and Robert vacationed with their children. They wanted the grandchildren to experience that same vacation spot.

Ann is survived by her sons, Rex (Terri) VanZant and Scott (Karen Gerhart) VanZant; step-daughter, Ellen (Chris) Johnson; grandchildren, Katrina VanZant, Bradley VanZant, Kourtney (Matt) Gallegos; several nieces, nephews, cousins, step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren and step-great great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Robert VanZant and daughter, Katherine Ann VanZant.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Addison Place for their loving care.

Services will be held at 1:00pm Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New
Castle with Mark Herbkersman officiating. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00am until time of service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be given in Ann’s name to the New Castle/Henry County Humane Society. You may express condolences or share memories of Ann at www.hinsey-brown.com .