Ann M. Ems, 82, of Hematite died Sept. 26, 2020, at her home. Mrs. Ems was the retired director of Jefferson County Animal Control. She also served as director of the Jefferson County Health Department director and served three terms on its board of directors. She was born Sept. 2, 1938, in Guthrie Center, Iowa, the daughter of the late Evelyn (Franklin) and Stanley Harvey Duro.
She is survived by her husband: Raymond Joseph Ems; a daughter: Evelyn (Rob) Lower of Imperial; a son: Stanley Herman (Maei) Duing of De Soto; six grandchildren: April Davis of Hematite, Sarah Davis of Atlanta, Ga., Kenneth (Jamie) Davis of Potosi, Joseph Duing of Cadet, Michaela Duing of Barnhart and Mitchell Duing of De Soto; a great-granddaughter: Emberlie Davis of Potosi; two stepchildren: Stacy Ems of Festus and Steven (Stephanie) Ems of St. Clair; four step-grandchildren: Garrett and Logan Ems of St. Clair, Janene (Adam) Berry of Hillsboro and Shannon (Dave) Jara of Kansas City; four step-great-grandchildren: Adalyn, Alivia and Jameson Berry of Hillsboro and Oceanna Jara of Kansas City.
She was preceded in death by a daughter: Edna (James) Davis.
Mrs. Ems chose to be cremated. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the donor’s favorite four-footed rescue organization. Arrangements were under the direction of Vinyard Funeral Home in Festus.