Ann E. Katona
Anne Elizabeth (Sharpless) Katona, Age 82, of Lincoln, NE passed away on June 14, 2023. She was the youngest daughter of three girls born in Palatka, FL on September 18, 1940 to Hubert and Fanny (Key) Sharpless.
After high school she attended dental college to earn her AA and worked as a dental hygienist for 6 years before marrying Navy Lt. Jack Katona, on September 10, 1966 in Sanford, FL. Once her husband retired from the Navy, they took time to travel through Canada and the US. While visiting her family in Florida, she met and fell in love with the Kerry Blue Terrier breed. Once settled in California in the mid 1970’s the first of many Kerry’s came into her and her family’s life.
Anne became a breeder, and along with her groomer husband, showed many Kerry’s to their AKC Championships under the Tyrella name. The ‘dog world’ as she so fondly called it, provided her with a wonderful community and satisfied her innate curiosity and love of learning. This ultimately led her to applying to become an AKC dog show judge. She went on to complete 5 full groups of dog breeds and additional breeds in the other 2 groups.
Anne was not just a dog judge. Having grown up with horses and other animals, she learned the foundation of structure and movement. She believed these to be the cornerstone of importance in judging. She cared immensely about improving the sport and was an amazing mentor to many novice handlers. She would find ways to encourage people with tips and ideas for improving their showmanship to help bring out the best qualities in the dogs they were showing. She judged her last dog show in November 2022. She enjoyed spending her days reading with her Maine Coon cat, Stellar, warming her lap.
Preceded in death by her sister Billye Depratter.
Survived by her husband Jack Katona of Lincoln, NE; daughter Audra Katona and son-in-law Scott Perryman of San Francisco, CA; granddaughter, Ava Perryman of Burlington, VT; her sister Joan Murkerson of Florida, in addition to many other loving family members.
Please join us in celebrating Anne’s adventure filled life on Thursday, August 3rd 2023 at 2:00pm at Christ United Methodist Church 4530 A St, Lincoln, NE 68510 immediately followed by a reception from 3:00pm – 5:00pm at Grata Bar & Lounge 6891 A St, Lincoln, NE 68510. The Celebration of Life service at the Church will be live streamed on their Facebook site. Please click on the “Go live” button to connect.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations that were dear to Anne’s heart, Arbor Day Foundation and Take the Lead.
To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Aspen Cremation Service represents the ideal combination of price and quality. We have low overhead and can pass on the savings. Let us earn your trust.
Accreditations
Condolences for Ann E. Katona
Jack & family. we are so sorry for your loss. it has been wonderful getting to know you and Anne thru our monthly luncheons of what we call the Tarkio Group. the attendees either grew up in Tarkio or went to College there. it was a great little college and produced many students who made names for themselves and the college. we always looked forward to gathering and hearing new stories of other people and their histories. Sorry our time was so short with Anne.
sincerely,
lloyd and bev weathermon
One of my favorite dog people ever. I have known Ann since I started in dog. She would always find time to discuss litters and plans and was genuinely interested. My sympathies to her family, sadly, the sport is losing another great one. 😪😪🤗
One of the kindest ladies in our dog family. She was one of my dearest friends and mentors. My condolences to the family.
Sending prayers 🙏 and condolences 😢 the dog world will miss her for sure. So very very sorry for your loss.
Cindi Balestra
Bella Vita Dobermans
My condolences to Ann’s family. Loved spending time with Ann at the shows. She was such a positive influence in the sport she loved.
Anne was a wonderful person and a knowledgeable judge. I will miss her smile and her joy at the dog shows. Prayers for peace for her family and friends.
Anne was a wonderful person whose opinion really mattered to me at dog show. Her helpful positive nature made her a pleasure to show. Her knowledge of structure, movement and breed standards was legendary
Sincere condolences to her family
So very sorry to hear of the loss of Ann Katona.
She was a wonderful judge , kind , gentle and very knowledgeable.
Our sport has lost another truly great one .
A great lady. She will be sorely missed.
Anne was a friend, a mentor and a beautiful person. I learned so much from her. Just hearing her name always made me smile and filled my heart with joy.
The world was a better place with Anne in it.
My condolences to her husband and family.
Ms Katona ,was a dream of a judge , she gave this newbie the confidence to present my dog .. just the nicest, kindest person in dog showing. My deep condolences
To the family:
I am so very sorry for your loss. I show dogs and Anne was my very first judge with my very first show dog. I didn’t know what I was doing and it was obvious, but she was so kind and gracious in putting up with the newbie in her ring. She was a complete class act and even helped ensure my win photo turned out well. She provided me instructions throughout my time in her ring and was so incredibly kind and patient. Right after she retired, I was able to tell her on FB how much that first experience with her meant to me and how much I appreciated her kindness. I am so grateful I was able to communicate that to her.
I am heartbroken to read of her passing. She will be dearly missed by many in the dog show world and beyond.
Hugs to you all.
Anne was not only a lovely person but a respected terrier person. I not only showed to her but stewarded for her and learned so much. My thoughts are with you.
We are so sorry to hear of Anne’s passing! Anne was responsible for our joining the dog show world 40 years ago. She and Jack were fabulous mentors!!! Anne was always encouraging our daughter in showing our Kerries and was responsible for Michelle’s applying and being approved for her junior showmanship judge’s license. Anne will be greatly missed!!! Our condolences to Jack and family.
I just found out about Ann’s passing and I am still in shock. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Ann and I have been friends since the early 1970’s when she had her very first Kerry Blue. and I have always considered her a dear friend. She will be missed by so many people…..including me.