Ann Paynter Lustgarden

Ann Paynter Lustgarden passed away peacefully on Monday, June 15, 2026. She was born on January 11, 1948, in Waco, Texas, to her devoted and loving parents, James Alfred "Fred" Paynter and Frances (Thomson) Paynter. As a child, Ann lived in Jacksonville, Texas, before her family settled in Odessa, a community she proudly called home for most of her life. She attended Barnett Elementary School and Bonham Junior High School before graduating from Permian High School in 1966, a class she fondly referred to as the "Best Class Ever!" Ann continued her education at Odessa College and later earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos in 1971. She dedicated her life to teaching and inspiring young people. She taught in San Antonio from 1972 until 1982 and then at Blackshear Elementary School from 1983 to 2004. After returning to Odessa, she continued her career with ECISD, where she faithfully served students and families for many years before retiring from the classroom. Her passion for education never faded. In 2011, Ann joined St. Mary's Catholic School as an aide. After three years, she became the school librarian, where she shared her love of reading and learning with countless students. Her classroom and library reflected her warm personality, creativity, and joy for teaching. Ann had a special gift for making every space beautiful and welcoming. She loved decorating her home and schoolroom, tending her garden, reading, and surrounding herself with her favorite flowers-sunflowers. Her kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit touched everyone fortunate enough to know her. In 2001, Ann married Terry Lustgarden. Together they shared a loving marriage filled with companionship, laughter, and adventure. They especially enjoyed traveling together to New Mexico and Alaska, creating treasured memories that would last a lifetime. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, James Alfred "Fred" Paynter and Frances (Thomson) Paynter, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by her devoted husband, Terry Lustgarden; her brothers, Michael Paynter and Kenneth Paynter; her nieces, Stephanie Paynter and Allison Paynter; her nephews, Andrew Paynter and Michael Kevin Paynter; one great-niece and two great-nephews; many cousins; and a host of friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by her love and dedication. In reflecting on Ann's life, her husband Terry shared these words: "Ann was the most loving and caring person I have ever known. I was truly blessed and privileged to be a part of her life. Watching her endure the devastating effects of ALS was heartbreaking, but throughout her journey she demonstrated remarkable courage, grace, and faith. Her love, strength, and kindness will remain with me always." The family suggests memorial donations be made to St. Mary's Catholic School or to ALS research in Ann's memory. A Rosary will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Odessa, Texas. A Catholic Funeral Mass will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. Following the services, Mrs. Lustgarden will be inurned in the Columbarium at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Ann's legacy of faith, education, compassion, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

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Ann Paynter Lustgarden

January 11, 1948 - June 15, 2026