Ann Louise (Rengert) Bollinger

November 17, 1942 - August 30, 2024

Ann Bollinger, 81, passed away peacefully at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center on Friday, August 30, 2024, surrounded by her family. She fought valiantly for nearly six days after sustaining injuries in an explosion and fire at her home on Sunday, August 25, 2024.

Ann Louise Rengert was born on November 17, 1942, to Curtis and Esther (Heimlich) Rengert in Cardington, Ohio. A 1960 graduate of Cardington-Lincoln High School, on July 5, 1964, she married the love of her life, Dean Bollinger. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a testament to their enduring love and commitment.

Ann is survived by her beloved husband Dean; her son Mark and daughter-in-law Melissa; her grandsons Bryce (Jaelynn Parish), Carson, and Weston; and her great-granddaughter Farlee. She is also survived by her sisters Pat McCorkle and Peggy Rittler, her brother Dan Rengert, her sister-in-law Pat Leibengood, and many cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Curt and Esther Rengert; her in-laws, James and Rosetta Bollinger; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law. Ann was a mother to three stillborn daughters before being blessed with Mark.

Ann was a kind and selfless woman who dedicated her life to serving others. A week before her passing, Dean found her sitting in her recliner in the middle of the night, deep in thought. When he asked why she was awake, she replied that she had been reflecting on how much God had blessed them and was contemplating how they could use their blessings to help even more people.

A devoted servant of her Lord, Jesus Christ, Ann was deeply involved in her church, St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall). She was instrumental in the feeding ministry for families in local schools, often shopping for and delivering large quantities of food to the church for distribution. On Wednesday nights, she could be found in the church kitchen, preparing meals for over a hundred people. Throughout her life, Ann remained an active member of her church, teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, cleaning the church, washing communion sets, singing in the choir, and so much more. She was typically beside Dean at car shows throughout Central Ohio, talking with others, donating money for the fundraising cause, and in general, bringing joy to the day.

Ann was famous for her lemon sugar cookies, always beautifully decorated with special icing for whatever holiday or event was approaching. Just two weeks ago, she baked her final batch, adorning the icing with scarlet and gray sprinkles in anticipation of the upcoming Ohio State football season.

To her grandsons Bryce, Carson, and Weston, she was affectionately known as Grandma Ann, but to countless others, she was also their "Grandma." Her two-year-old great-granddaughter Farlee uniquely called her "Mama Ann."

Ann never missed a sporting event, concert, or performance involving her grandsons. Whether she was in the front rows of the bleachers or seated in a lawn chair on the sidelines, thousands of children knew they could look to the sidelines to see Grandma Ann and Papa Dean there to support them, win or lose. When her grandsons weren't participating, she was still at the games, cheering on other family members or rooting for children she didn't even know personally. For many years she served on the River Valley Baseball For Youth Board.

Ann had a special mothering bond with the athletes her son Mark coached in basketball, soccer, softball, and tennis. The athletes on those teams became her kids, she considered their families her family. Ann kept up with many of those individuals, taking pride in their achievements and celebrating their milestones. Many of them were typically greeted with a Grandma Ann hug. Almost daily, she would call or text Mark to share stories of running into former players or their families, continuing to care for them long after their time on the court or field had ended.

In typical Grandma Ann fashion, she was the first person outside of clinical trials, to undergo a new burn procedure on East Coast of the United States during her stay at OSU. It was another example of her always willing to be of service to others, even in her final days.

Family members have received thousands of messages from across the country, all speaking of Ann's kind soul, her ever-present smile, her welcoming nature, her nonjudgmental attitude, and her devoted faith. The outpouring of love, support, and prayers over the past week has been overwhelming.

Those who knew her were blessed to have encountered such a strong and amazing woman.
Ann left the world a better place, and all who knew her were better people because of her. The lessons of love, perseverance, forgiveness, humility, and strength that she taught will live on in us. She often reminded her family to never go to bed angry or leave upset because you never know what the Lord has in store for you in the next moment.

The family asks that you honor her memory by making a positive difference in the lives of others. They ask that if someone looks like they are having a bad day, you give them a hug or a pat on the back, give them a smile, just to improve their day. That's what Grandma Ann taught us to do.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any monetary gifts be made to St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall). All contributions will be designated to the Windfall Bread For All People feeding ministry, a cause close to Grandma Ann's heart.

The Bollinger Family would like to extend our deepest gratitude:
•   To the first responders who acted swiftly and with care during the tragic incident.
•   To the doctors, nurses, and medical staff at Marion General Hospital and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center for their dedicated and compassionate care of Ann.
•   To the Windfall congregation at St. John Lutheran Church, who provided unwavering support, prayers, and comfort.
•   To the friends, neighbors, and family members who brought meals, donated money and gift cards, visited us at the hospital and at home, offering us comfort and compassion during the worst week of our lives.
•   To the countless individuals, including strangers, who offered their prayers, kind words, and condolences. Your support has meant the world to us during this incredibly difficult time.

In a world in which we seemingly always hear the worst about people, the family has seen the best in people. Many individuals, groups, and organizations have been a source of strength for our family, and we are forever grateful.

Visitation will be held on Thursday evening, September 5, 2024, from 4-8 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church (Windfall), 5070 Newmans Cardington Rd. E., Cardington, Ohio. The funeral service will be on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the same location.

Grandma Ann would end phone calls with her son Mark and her grandsons by saying, "Love you, bye."

Grandma Ann - you were the best!
Love you, bye.

Gompf Funeral Service of Cardington is honored to have been chosen to assist the Bollinger family with Ann's final wishes and condolences may be expressed at www.gompffh.com.