Dates
Anna was born on June 26, 1923 in Ebensee, Austria to parents Alois and Maria Lipp.
The youngest of 13 children, Anna spent her childhood in the picturesque town of Ebensee located in north-central Austria on the south side of Lake Traun (Traunsee). Anna started Catholic school at age six, and enjoyed a simple, yet happy childhood with her school friends and her siblings. Her life changed in 1938 when Germany annexed Austria. Rationing was imposed immediately and the peaceful life they enjoyed in Ebensee changed dramatically. Anna started working at age 15 to help her family during the German occupation of Austria.
Anna met her future husband, Elmer Kelton, in October, 1945 while he was serving in the US Army during WWII. They soon fell in love but could not be married while Elmer was still in the service. Elmer received military orders that he was returning to the US in May, 1946. He was honorably discharged and returned to civilian life on July 1, 1946.
After a year-long separation and stacks of government forms were completed on both sides of the ocean, Anna was granted passage to America via a less than glamorous converted troop ship. Elmer, his mother, grandmother and aunt drove from west Texas to New York City to meet Anna when the ship docked on her 24th birthday June 26, 1947. They returned to west Texas and were married in Midland, TX on July 3, 1947.
They moved to Austin, TX in the fall of 1947 so Elmer could complete his education that had been interrupted by his military service. He earned his Journalism degree from the University of Texas and was offered a job as a farm and ranch writer at the San Angelo Standard Times. He accepted the job and they moved to San Angelo, TX in 1948.
Anna was granted US citizenship in October 1951. She was a fulltime homemaker, loving wife and mother. She was an excellent cook and self-taught seamstress. She made most of her children’s clothes. She enjoyed working in her yard and tending to her flower garden. She loved animals and the family always had a cat or dog, sometimes both. She enjoyed traveling with her husband. Anna was not afraid to speak her mind when she disagreed with someone. You never had to wonder what she was thinking, she would tell you without hesitation. She also had a great sense of humor and loved a good joke. She would laugh at herself louder than anyone when she did something silly. She will be missed by those she leaves behind, but we are comforted knowing she is reunited with her husband, as well as many family members and friends who made the journey to Heaven before her.
Anna was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Elmer Kelton of San Angelo, TX, her parents and 12 siblings of Austria, her sons Gary Kelton of Plainview, TX and Steve Kelton of San Angelo, TX.
Anna is survived by her daughter, Kathy Kelton of San Angelo, grandson Darrell Kelton of Salina, KS, granddaughter Deborah Kelton Martin (Gary) of Solomon, KS, grandson Shane Kelton (Stacy) of Robert Lee, TX, grandson Shea Kelton (Sarah) of Robert Lee, TX.
Great-grand-children Tyler Rathbun (Ashley) of Salina, KS, Kindra Franks of Salina, KS, Kelby Buchanan (Alan) of Midland, TX, Kyle Kelton of San Angelo, TX, Kourtney Kelton of Robert Lee, TX. Great-great grandchildren Jaylah, Landon and Landry Buchanan, Ezra Franks, Brielle and Taryn Rathbun.
Anna is also survived by her much loved 4-legged fur-baby MeeMee.
The family wishes to thank Visiting Angels and all of the caregivers that were a part of her life for 12 years. Her most recent team of angels that provided excellent care for Anna are Mirna, Nita, Susana and Tracy. Also, a special thank you to Concho Valley Home Health and their entire staff and team of nurses for their excellent care, PT Fred (Anna’s favorite “pest”) and OT Travis. You all made it possible for Anna to remain in the home she has loved since 1957.
A celebration of life for Anna will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Johnson’s Funeral Home, 435 W. Beauregard, San Angelo, TX 76903. Visitation at 1:00 PM, Memorial service beginning at 2:00 PM, Interment at Johnson’s Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens, 4989 FM Hwy. 1223, San Angelo, TX 76905, following the services.