Thelma Ann Klatt

Thelma “Ann” Klatt, beloved wife, mother and Nana, was born on May 2, 1937, in Centerville Station, Illinois, to John F. Mifflin and Thelma (Keown) Mifflin. Ann went to go be with her Lord & Savior on April 28th.

She moved to Midland, Texas in her teens, where she married the love of her life, Ernest Ray Klatt, on April 2, 1956. Rather than taking a honeymoon, the very next day they opened Klatt Lawnmower and Repair Shop, which later became Midland Small Engine Service, a business that remains in operation today and proudly celebrated 70 years of business this year. Ann will be remembered for her devotion to her faith and family, and the legacy she built alongside her husband. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and dedication to those she held closest to her. She had a deep and unwavering love for the Lord, who was at the center of her life. Her father, an evangelical pastor, traveled often spreading the word of God, and it was through his example that her own strong faith first took root.

Each morning, without fail, she began her day reading her Bible and she ended the day knelt at her bedside lifting prayers for her loved ones and anyone in need of prayer. Her faith guided her values, which she held close to her heart and worked to instill in her family. She often reminded us to put God first, with family always following, and she lived that truth by example.

She cherished her years as a devoted homemaker, caring for her children and home. Later, once they were grown, she worked alongside her husband, Ernest, helping run their business up until just 6 years ago.

She was the glue and pillar of her family, holding everyone together with love, strength and grace.  She made holidays and special occasions feel meaningful and memorable. She loved her husband, Ernest, and her children Ray, Tracy and Teresa and all her grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart. She had a special place for Tracy who was down syndrome, he no doubt kept life fun and kept her on her toes. He loved his momma and was her side kick while living with her and Ernest until he went to be with the Lord 7 years ago. She loved ALL her family fiercely, her brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews and always tried to stay closely connected with them whenever she could.

She was beautiful inside and out, she was fun and always down for an adventure, she had a wonderful sense of humor, along with a beautiful laugh and warm smile that could brighten any room. She found beauty in the smallest things and taught her family to appreciate what they had and to live with grateful hearts.

She found joy in life’s simple pleasures, she loved reading a good book or magazine, or solving a puzzle, and cooking meals (especially during the holidays when she could gather her family close). She loved to go on walks and pick beautiful wildflowers for the kitchen table at the farm, and she always enjoyed a cup of coffee or hot tea, no matter the season or temperature outside.

Late in life, Ann developed dementia and spent her final months at Legacy Ranch in Midland. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and caregivers there for the wonderful care, compassion, and kindness shown to her.

Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Klatt; infant daughter, Jamie Klatt; son, Tracy Klatt; granddaughter, Kristyn Klatt; her parents; sisters, Betty Lipe and Peggy Mobley; and brothers, Joe Mifflin, Jack Mifflin, and Pat Mifflin. Brother-in-law Eddie Klatt and sister-in-law Barbara Black.

She is survived by her sister, Alice Stidham of Lebanon, IL; her son, Ernest “Ray” Klatt Jr. and wife Darla, her daughter Teresa Murphy and husband Ronnie, all of Midland; grandchildren, Lynessa Thornton and husband Kevin of Midland, Stephanie Cooper and husband Ryan of Tulsa, OK; Cory Klatt of Midland, Chase Wooten and wife Leah of Midland, Leslie Reynolds and husband Cody of Odessa, and Brittany Stewart of Midland. Great-grandchildren, Jamie Lamberth and husband Tyler, Cale Murphy, Mavryck Cooper, Griffyn Cooper, Jensynn Cooper, Addi Wooten, CJ Wooten, Maizy Wooten, Connor Reynolds, Dean Reynolds, Brayden Thorton & Berkley Thorton; as well as many numerous nieces and nephews she loved so dearly.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Legacy Ranch of Midland and it’s caring staff for the wonderful care given to her.

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