Ann Katherine Ingram

Ann Katherine Ingram of Asheville passed away peacefully on August 11, 2023, following a brief illness.

Ann was born in 1940 in Danville, Kentucky, to the late John Robert and Sydney Hanson Kennedy. Although she was an only child, she had an extended family, and some of her happiest childhood moments were spent playing with her many cousins on the family farm. In school, she excelled academically and loved being a cheerleader for her high school football and basketball teams.

After graduation, Ann attended the University of Kentucky, graduating in 1962 with a business degree. She immediately accepted a position with the Social Security Administration and traveled to Asheville for a six week training course. It was here that the course of her life changed forever when she met a handsome young man who was to become the love of her life, Andrew Burton Ingram (Burt).

After a whirlwind romance, the couple were married and settled in Asheville. Two daughters followed shortly thereafter, Lisa in 1964 and Amy in 1968, and Ann ended her career outside the home to focus solely on her family. Some of the family’s fondest memories include summer vacations at Hilton Head, frequent family camping trips, and festive holidays spent together. After retirement, Ann and Burt traveled extensively and acquired a lake property that soon became known as Ann’s “happy place.”

Ann was devoted to her family and will be remembered for her kindness, selflessness and wonderful sense of humor. She could also be quite feisty and could easily light up a room with her contagious laughter. She was a lover of nature, animals of all kinds, and University of Kentucky basketball. She loved watching the Kentucky Derby every year and knew how to make what she called a “real” Kentucky Derby mint julep. She was also a devoted Nanna to her two beloved grandsons and was especially proud of their service as United States Marines.

Ann is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Burt, her daughters, Amy Ingram of Asheville and Lisa Ingram deFrances (David) of Charlotte, and two grandsons, Jack and Tommy deFrances, both of Atlanta. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.