Ann Hagen Buckner

Ann Buckner, 76, passed away at her home in Fort Collins, Colorado, on July 21, 2023, after her 16-year battle with breast cancer. Her amazing life will not be defined by her lengthy battle with cancer, but instead by how she lived life to the fullest, pursuing her joys and interests and caring for her family while privately fighting cancer, without complaint.

Ann Hagen was born December 4, 1946, in Spokane, Washington, to Carl and Janet Hagen. Ann is the oldest of 4 siblings (Gail, Jane, and Eric). Throughout her youth, Ann and her family had the privilege and adventure of growing up around the world during their father's career-long tour of duty as an officer and fighter pilot in the Army Air Corp and Air Force. Ann attended numerous schools, graduating from high school in Great Falls, Montana, in 1965.

While taking college classes in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ann's friends talked her into a blind date with a cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy, who she recognized immediately – John Buckner, Jr, her 8th-9th grade classmate from Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Unlike junior high where friends and activities took precedence over romance, this time they clicked instantly and their relationship blossomed. Before long, they were engaged and married in the Air Force Academy's chapel in 1969, just days after John's graduation. Over the next 54 years of marriage, they too traveled the world, moving frequently for tours of duty with their own children, Greg and Jill, eventually settling in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Early in her marriage, Ann focused on her role of homemaker and busy member of the Officer's Wives Club, making deep friendships with many other wives and families. As Ann's children matured, and John's career continued in the Air Force, Ann finished taking classes in Accounting at Arizona State and George Mason Universities graduating in 1989 with a Bachelor's of Accounting degree. She became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Virginia, and set to work for a law firm in the D.C. area. When Ann and John moved to Fort Collins to finish his military career at Colorado State University, Ann continued her career as a CPA in the Fort Collins Youth Clinic and then at H&R Block, before ultimately starting her own CPA firm for which she worked through 2023.

Beyond her work, Ann enjoyed all life had to offer by immersing herself in hobbies such as quilting and crafting, doll and model train collecting, watching and rewatching classic Hollywood movies, and of course sports. Throughout her life, Ann enjoyed bowling, skiing, horseback riding, swimming, dancing, a litany of other activities, and who can forget her avid love for golf, especially on her home course at Ptarmigan. Although she would downplay her successes, she routinely accumulated trophies, including Golfer of the Year in 2019. She was an avid fan of watching sports and was a season ticket holder at the U.S. Air Force Academy football games with John and the huge community of the Academy's classmates, former graduates and their families.

Family and friends who knew Ann well, recognized that she used her job as a CPA and her hobbies less as a means to get ahead, but rather as an avenue to help others. Her true passion was taking care of loved ones, whether it be her own husband and children, her father and mother after debilitating health crises, her tax clients, her friends and extended family, or her beloved grandchildren, Harper and Dexter – all the true joys of her life. Her passion for caregiving was her life-long hallmark, placing others' needs and well-being ahead of her own.

Ann enjoyed time with her immediate family, playing golf and traveling with John. She supported Greg in his career service in the Air Force, having much in common with her daughter-in-law of 26 years, Lisa. Living less than an hour from Jill was a blessing, spending quality time together in Denver or Fort Collins, and gaining a son-in-law, Shawn, who she bragged could do or fix anything. Eleven years ago, Ann earned one of her most prized titles, "Gramma." All could see how she was simply born for this role. In the grandchildren's younger years, she cared for them in Denver 2-3 days per week to support Jill during her work week, and she formed her everlasting bond with Harper and Dexter. She enjoyed hobbies with them, teaching Harper how to sew on her sewing machine before age 8, and shared the love of Legos with Dexter and displayed his huge projects all over her living room. She attended piano recitals, joined in themed attire at Star Wars events, and reveled in their every milestone and accomplishment, as only a Gramma could do.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, and leaves a loving family that will miss her dearly. Her legacy will continue in the lives of those she left behind. Ann is survived by her husband, John, two children, son Greg Buckner (Lisa) and daughter Jill White (Shawn), two grandchildren Harper White (11) and Dexter White (9), sisters Gail McMahon (Bud) and Jane Hagen (Tom Selling), brother Eric Hagen, sister-in-law Lynn Buckner Rich, brother-in-law Robert Buckner (Mary), and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Memorial services are scheduled at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Fort Collins at 10 am on August 16, 2023, and the U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery at 9 am on August 17, 2023. Based on the professionalism and care provided by Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins, the Buckner Family asks that in lieu of flowers, donors consider contributing to Ann's hospice or a hospice within their local community.

If you wish to join Ann's service online, please follow the link provided to live stream:
https://vimeo.com/event/3634472