Ann Bannon Meara Bolden passed away on April 10, 2022. She was born on December 2, 1977, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Daniel F. Meara and JoAnn F. Meara.
She began her education at St. Mary’s School in Fort Scott, Kansas, then went to Fort Scott Middle School and Fort Scott High School, where she graduated in 1996.
She then attended Pittsburg State University before meeting the love of her life, Derek C. Bolden. She and Derek were married at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, in Fort Scott, Kansas, on October 14, 2000. They then lived in Kansas City, Kansas.
Although she began to experience the symptoms in 2005, she was finally diagnosed with primary progressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2010, she continued to discharge her duties at work.
From then to the date of her death, she maintained her love for her family and friends. She prayed for those in distress and those in need of her love. She was well-known for her courage in the face of her debilitating disease and her unfailing sense of humor.
She always brought out the best in all of us and we will continue to hold her in the most sacred place of our hearts for the rest of our lives.
She leaves her husband, Derek C. Bolden, her parents Daniel F. Meara and JoAnn F. Meara, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Priscilla and Chuck Tolman, her aunts Peggy Niles, Mary Morrow, and Mary Jane Schaefer, her brother, Daniel F. Meara III and wife Amy, sister Megan F. Sailors and husband Jeff, brother, Brendan L. Meara and wife Julie, brother James Meara and wife Zo, brother John Meara and wife Jodie, and sister Kathleen Meara; her sisters-in-law Valerie Witt and Dionne Green, and brother-in-law John Chambers and wife Jennifer; her cousins Matt Morrow and wife Kathy, Jeanine Bock and husband Tim, Ronald Schaefer and wife Christy, Laurie Roach, Larry Schaefer and wife Sharon, Leslie Crane and husband Bruce, Geri Roling and husband Mark, Pamela Harrison and husband Brad, Steven Schaefer and wife Mackenzie, and the families of her cousins. She loved as individuals each of her nieces and nephews: Daniel F. Meara IV, Patrick Meara, Samuel Sailors, Maxwell Sailors, Alexis Sailors, Leo Meara, Theodore Meara, Robin Meara, Chairno Baldeh, Kirsten Green, Mathew Baldeh, Tristen Green, Simone Baldeh, Caleb Chambers, Alex Chambers, and Dylan Chambers.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday, April 22, 2022, at 10:00 AM at Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 714 S. Eddy, Fort Scott, Kansas.
Ann was particularly concerned for those in need, the hungry and homeless. For that reason, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Harvesters Community Food Network, a non-profit organization for the relief of the poor, 3801 Topping Ave., Kansas City, MO 64129. Donations may also be made to St. Mary’s School, 702 S. Eddy, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.