Annie Checketts Obituary

In Loving Memory Of Annie Olivia Checketts October 20, 1920 - August 2, 2006. Annie Olivia Checketts departed this life on August 2, 2006 at the age of 85. Ann was born on October 20, 1920, to Herbert A. and Pearl E. Turner in Montgomery, AL., where she and her brother, Herbert Turner Jr. "Buddy", shared many happy memories through their youth. On July 3, 1943, Ann made history in her hometown. She became the first woman to volunteer for the United States Marine Corps during World War II from Montgomery, Alabama. After receiving her boot training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, she was assigned to Cherry Point, North Carolina. Ann received instruction in the aviation and chemical warfare and served in the Technical Library of the Assembly and Repair of Airplanes Department. She was soon promoted to Sergeant. It was here she met and married a fellow Marine Sergeant Elwin LeRoy Checketts "Whitey" on May 4, 1945. When the war ended, she was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps on October 23, 1945. Ann's name is placed in The Women In Military Service For America Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. She was decorated with the American Campaign and World War II Victory medals. Through her life, she had opportunities to live in many states and experience different careers from being an Executive Secretary at Warner Lambert Corporation to Co-Owner of the Mecca Motel. Just before her 79th birthday, Ann retired after 10 years from the Deluxe Corporation. Ann was an avid reader and believed in keeping active all her life. Although she always had a place in her heart for the South, the site of Pikes Peak was home. At this time, we know that she is truly home. Ann is survived by her two sons and daughters-in-law; Roy and Pam Checketts of Colorado Springs, CO; and Larry and Lucy Checketts of Glendive, MT. She was blessed with nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Ann was preceded in death by her former husband - Whitey Checketts, brother - Buddy Turner and longtime friend and companion - Joe Ott. We were blessed to have her in our family and will dearly miss her. Annie Olivia's Celebration of Life will be held on August 26, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel at the First United Methodist Church, 420 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO.