Ann Marie Religa

Ann Marie (Kane) Religa, 53, surrendered to her five ­year battle with cancer on November 4,
2015, at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, Wichita.
She was born June 30, 1962, in Paola, Kansas, to William and Catherine Kane. Ann and her
three sisters took an active role in the family dairy farm. She graduated from Paola High School
in May 1981. Upon graduation from high school she attended Allen County Community College,
Iola, Kansas on a track and cross country scholarship. She earned an Associate’s of Arts
Degree. Ann’s love for agriculture led her to a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in
Agricultural Education from Kansas State University in 1985.
Ann’s first job after graduation was teaching agriculture at Mulvane High School in Mulvane, KS.
As a youth Ann and her family were active in Miami County 4­H. That lead to her becoming a
4­H Youth Development Extension Agent in Rice County in 1986. Shortly thereafter, she was
united in marriage to Mark Religa on April 9, 1988 at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Paola,
KS. Together they moved to Harvey County, where Ann was a devoted 4­H Youth Development
Extension Agent until her last days.
Ann has been the recipient of numerous awards which include 1994 4­H Achievement in
Service Award for National Extension 4­H Agents, 2001 4­H Distinguished Service Award
­Kansas Association of 4­H Agents, 2001 4­H Distinguished Service Award ­ National
Association Extension 4­H Agents, Volunteer of the Year for Newton Recreation Center, 2011
25 year recognition as an Extension Agent and 2013 Meritorious Service Award National
Association Extension 4­H Agents.
With her unique brand of “Ann,” she touched the lives of thousands of 4­H youth, families,
volunteers and colleagues in Harvey County, throughout Kansas and across the nation. She
had a knack for calling it like it is, finding thrifty treasures, and fearlessly tackling the biggest of
tasks. Ann lived life boldly and loved without bounds, demonstrated by the many unique
handmade gifts she gave to her family and friends.
Ann is survived by her husband Mark Religa of Newton; her mother Catherine Kane of Lyndon;
sisters Mary Kane of Manhattan, Helen (Delbert) Ramsey of Lyndon, and Alice (Flint) Toews of
Canton; and many nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her father, William
Kane.
Visitation will be Monday, November 9, from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe
Church, Newton, with Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Family will be present following the Rosary.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, November 10, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe
Newton, KS and burial services will be held at 4:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery in Paola, KS
Memorials are suggested to Kansas 4­H Foundation ­ Rock Springs Ranch, Harvey County 4­H
Development Fund and Kansas FFA.