Ann Robbins Parks Schaaf

Ann Robbins Parks Schaaf, 81, loving wife and mother, died peacefully at her home Friday morning, Sept. 13, 2024. Her devoted husband, Louis E. Schaaf Sr., who steadfastly cared for her during a long illness, was at her side, along with their children.

Ann was born June 14, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, to James Thomas Parks and Mamie Dell Smith Parks. The family moved to Paragould when Ann was 14, and she soon met Louis, 16, and knew he was the boy she would marry.  After graduation from Paragould High School, she attended Arkansas State University where she was in the Chi Omega sorority.  On Jan. 26, 1963, she married Louis, and the couple lived in Memphis during the early years of their marriage.  They have made Jonesboro their home for the past 45 years.

Ann is survived by husband Louis; three children: Louis Schaaf Jr. (and wife Romy) of Memphis; Greg Schaaf (and wife Holly) of Brookland; and Shannan Kever (and husband O.B.) of Southside, Arkansas; nine grandchildren; Justin (and wife Jesse); Nicholas (and wife Leigh Anne); Mackenzie,  and Jackson Schaaf; Braden Jones; Wynston Kever; Mallory Norwood; and Dylon and Jackson Bridger; four great grandchildren; Judd, Laila, Collier and Gentry Schaaf; and a brother-in-law, Charles (and wife Ruby) Schaaf of Batesville.  She is predeceased by her parents and one brother, Ralph Thomas Parks.

Though she worked for a time at Arkansas Methodist Community Hospital, Ann made caring for her family a full-time job and took great joy in seeing them grow and thrive. She took pride in an extensive library of cookbooks and loved to experiment in the kitchen.  In addition, she enjoyed crafts, crocheting, needlepoint and ceramics, and she took time to play tennis and golf and attend sporting events with her husband.  Ann and Louis were active members of the Indian Club at Arkansas State University and quickly became avid Red Wolves fans when the athletic program changed its mascot.  They have been major donors to the university athletic and academic programs, including an endowed Jones & Company/Louis and Ann Schaaf Distinguished Professorship in Accounting and an accounting scholarship that provides tuition for students preparing for the CPA exam.

A devout member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, Ann served as a eucharistic minister and, along with Louis, was a major donor to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She looked forward to the church fall festival each year, where she was in charge of preparing the slaw and barbecue sandwiches.

Ann was a devoted friend, wife, mother, and grandmother, and she lived her life with grace, love and patience and never complained. The family takes comfort in knowing she is with her Lord, Jesus Christ, and that she is now at peace after a nine-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

A memorial service will be 10:00 AM, Friday, September 20, 2024, at Blessed Sacrament Church with Monsignor Scott Friend officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 9:00 until service time.  The Burial will be private. For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 1107 East Highland Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401, or a charity of your choice.