Anne Rose Churn

Anne Rose McCluer Churn, 97, of Brea, California, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026. Born on May 10, 1929, Anne was the beloved daughter of Hugh and Lucretia McCluer, growing up on a farm in Jackson, Mississippi. Her Southern roots remained an important part of who she was throughout her long life. She was devoted to her family, friends and community, and leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and grace. As a young adult, Anne was working at the Jackson, Mississippi Public Library when she met Clifton Russell Churn, Jr., of Raleigh, North Carolina on a blind date. They soon married and together built a life filled with love, faith, and family. In the early years, Clif's career in sales with Armstrong Cork Company led them to various cities. The couple first lived in New Orleans, Louisiana, where their daughter Carol was born, then moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where they welcomed their daughter Becky. After a brief time in Dallas, Texas, they settled in Brea, California, where their sons Russell and Chris were born. Anne devoted herself to her family as a loving wife, mother, and friend, creating a warm and nurturing home wherever life took them. She found joy in life's simple pleasures: the laughter of children, the companionship of dogs, sunny days at the beach, and tending to her beloved roses and tomato plants. She never turned down a scoop of Rocky Road ice cream and remained a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Lakers throughout her life. Once her children were grown, Anne pursued a Master's degree in Special Education and began a fulfilling career at Farjardo Elementary School in Rowland Heights, California. She was a dedicated educator whose colleagues described her as creative, compassionate, and unwavering in her advocacy for her students. Anne believed deeply in the potential of every child and worked tirelessly to ensure her students received the support and opportunities they deserved. Anne was also a founding member of Brea United Methodist Church, a community that became a cornerstone of her life. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, Anne sang in the church choir for 45 years, sharing her gift with the congregation and forming lifelong friendships. Her faith was central to who she was, guiding her actions, strengthening her through life's challenges, and inspiring her deep commitment to serving others. Anne adored her grandchildren, Katharine, Kellen, and Sara, and they adored her in return. They spent many treasured summers with "Grandmom," whose home was a place of laughter, imagination, and unconditional love. She encouraged free play and creativity, leading to countless dance performances, home videos, and dog shows featuring her beloved schnauzers, Kessie and Sylvie. What a thrill in later years when Grandmom became “OG” (the original Grandmom) was able to meet some of her great-grandchildren. Those who knew Anne will remember her as joyful and kind-hearted, possessing a rare combination of sweetness and directness. She was honest yet gentle, down-to-earth yet elegant, and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome and valued. Her strength, grace, and unwavering love enriched the lives of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Anne is predeceased by her husband Clif Churn and survived by her children, Carol McCluer and her husband, Kevin Fennell; Rebecca (Becky) Mooney and her husband, Rob Mooney; Clifton Russell Churn III (Russell); and Christopher Churn. She was a proud grandmother to Katharine Mooney Limone, Kellen Mooney Stanton, and Sara Fennell, and a loving great-grandmother to Marinel Limone, William Stanton, Sofia Centeno, Edenson Limone, and Isabelle Stanton. A memorial service was held on June 15, 2026, with burial at Memory Garden. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Brea United Methodist Church, 480 N. State College Blvd., Brea, CA 92821.

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Anne Rose Churn

May 10, 1929 - June 9, 2026