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Celebrating the life of

Ann Rutland Kearney

December 30, 1937 - December 14, 2021

Ann Rutland Kearney

Ann Rutland Kearney, passed away peacefully at home on December 14, 2021. She was born in Savannah on December 30, 1937 to Lurline and SL Rutland Sr. She graduated Savannah High School in 1955 and was a 1958 graduate of Warren A. Candler School of Nursing. She loved to tell the story of her father nearly fainting when he had to buy her nursing shoes for $8 at the start of the program.

In 1959, she married Tommy Kearney and raised three incredible daughters. She and Tommy, in their own ways, kept the house full of laughter and all their bellies full of fresh seafood.  She must have headed tens of thousands of shrimp and cleaned many hundreds of trout and flounder which Tommy caught throughout the seasons. 

However you knew this special lady, more than likely you knew her best for her sweet soul, amazing sense of humor and infectious laugh. She always had a good joke to tell. She loved spreading plenty of joy in the clinic at Memorial where she dedicated 30+ years of her life. She and many of her Doctor friends, particularly Dr. Ed Grimsley, played many a prank and in general, together, found ways to keep the good times rolling in a very challenging work place. 

She touched so many lives during her time in the clinic. Well after retiring, her patients would stop her in the stores and thank her for all she did for them. She thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the young interns, most of whom were male in her days. She made sure to give them the same two tidbits of advice. “First, if you need your car worked on, be sure to leave the lab coat and stethoscope in the trunk. Second, never let your wife work in the office.” She probably saved them a few dollars and quite possibly a marriage! 

We were so very blessed God gave us this precious lady. All is well in Heaven, for they are surely laughing at one of her jokes right now. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years Thomas Gordon Kearney III, her brother S.L. Rutland Jr, and her son in law John R. Bunn (Kathleen). He is once again bragging about being her #1 son in law right now! She is survived by her daughters, Becky Kearney Shuman (Mike), Suzie Kearney Douglas (Joe), and Kathleen Kearney Bunn; her grandchildren include Maggie Douglas, Matt Douglas, Conor Bunn (Kate), Daniel Estep, and David Shuman (Amanda). She had several nieces and nephews and three great grandchildren. 

We would like to give our sincerest, heartfelt thanks to our mother’s angel of a caregiver, Helen Colbert. We are forever grateful for the kindness and comfort she provided for our mom throughout the past two years. Mom told her how thankful she was for all she did everyday and we second that emotion. Loudly!! 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggested donations to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School, 7020 Concord Road, Savannah GA. 31410. 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

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Kathleen, I feel like I know your mom from all the wonderful Facebook videos that I saw of y’all over the past few years. I sure will miss seeing those. I pray for you during this time and think of you always. I love you honey Bunn!

- Miles and Ashley Allen, Forsyth, Ga

I am sorry that I can not be there, but my prayers and condolences are being sent the family’s way. She was always so sweet and fun to be around. She’s everything you could have ever wanted in a grandma.

- David Shuman, Bastrop, TX

Kathleen, we are so sorry to hear about your mom. You and your whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you and are here for you.

- Denise Jackson, Katie Jackson, & Miles Benson, forsyth , GA

She was a remarkable and loving person, that will be deeply missed. Prayers and condolences are being sent to each and every person that she touched, because she is being missed by all. Deep love, sympathy and prayers for the entire family. Please hold onto the wonderful memories and love she bestowed upon each of you. Love you all.

- Jennifer and Nicholas Ellis, Spartanburg, SC

I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet mom. She is having fun now!! I hope all your wonderful memories carry each family member thru the holidays. Much love, Donna Scarboro

- Donna Scarboro, Savannah, GA

I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother...she was such a sweet and funny woman. I know you will all miss her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. Love you much, Maggie & Micky

- Micky & Maggie McAllister, Savannah, GA

There are just no words to communicate the void this remarkable lady leaves behind. I will forever remember her mischief, asking for updates on the kids, and ALWAYS pulling Mark to the side for a little laugh. Godspeed Mrs. Kearney and hugs to her 3 incredible daughters for the incredible passion they have shown, especially the past few years.

- The Sells Family, Savannah, GA

Ann was a wonderful neighbor, and a friend you could call on any time of day or night. She will be greatly missed, and thought of often.

- Nancy and John Skinner , Manassas, GA

She was a remarkable woman. I always enjoy videos and stories, I know is only a glimpse of the woman she was for so many. Praying for the family during this difficult time!

- Elizabeth Selman, Macon, Ga

Could not have asked for a better neighbor. RIP Ann and give Flapper a hug.Your sense of humor will be missed.❤

- Sara Mahany, Savannah, Ga

Kathleen, I never had the privilege of meeting your mom, but she has thoroughly entertained me as the star of so many Facebook videos!! I could not watch them and not smile!! I am thinking of you and your family and am praying for peace for you all. Sending love your way, Robbin

- Robbin Haynes Williams, Ooltewah , TN

We are so saddened to hear of your families great loss. We know how much she meant to all of you. She was a special lady. I loved to hear her and Kathleen share funny conversations that were clearly full of love and humor. Our thoughts are with your family during this time.

- Brandy Sims & Family, Barnesville, GA

Suzie & Kathleen I am so sorry to hear this news. Your mom was such a special person with an amazing sense of humor. Loved seeing her at grandparent’s day with Maggie & Matt. Most recently loved her Facebook videos with Kathleen her sense of humor always gave us a good laugh. Prayers and condolences to all the family.

- Cathy Wiederhold, Savannah , GA

Suzie- We send our love and prayers to you and your entire family. While I never met your mom it sounds like you were blessed to get her humor and great laugh. Wishing you all find comfort in your memories and strength from all of us who love you! The Buelterman Family

- The Buelterman Family, Savannah, GA

Bunn, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thanks so much for sharing her with us on Facebook, she sure was a sweet and funny lady!

- April Arp, Forsyth, Ga

Oh my, what an amazing lady and such a wonderful tribute you all wrote for her! I am blessed to have experienced that “infectious laugh” and after growing up with the girls at my home away from home had the fortunate opportunity to also one day call on Memorial as a sales rep. I always started my visits there by going down to the clinic to get a nice hug from a friendly face. Blessings to her and the entire Kearney family! Love Kevin

- Kevin and Sally Werntz, Savannah, Ga

Deepest sympathy on the death of Ann. Tommy and I are cousins. Thomas Gerdon Kearney, Sr.'s wife (we called her Aunt Katie) and my grandfather, James Joseph Murphy, Jr., were siblings. May she rest in peace.

- Marie Green Bryant, SAVANNAH, GA

Suzie, we talked about your mom recently and how funny she was. I remember her years before I knew you when we both worked at Memorial. Her sense of humor was so funny! And seeing her on Facebook I could tell she still had it! I’m so sorry for you and your family’s loss. She is at peace now.

- Ginny Edgerly, Savannah, Ga

Girls, your sweet Mama will be missed. She helped so many with her encouraging ways. Heaven has gained an angel. Prayers for your family.

- Tina Pope, Wilmington Island, GA

Becky, Suzie, and Kathleen. We are so sorry for your loss. She was a special lady. I have many fond memories of being in the Kearny Home-such good times. Our thoughts and prayers are with and your family. Love and prayers to you all.

- Joe and Michelle Brennan, SAVANNAH, GA

Becky, Suzie, & Kathleen - So sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was always so nice to me when I was around. You are all in my prayers during this difficult time.

- Shawn Thrash, Acworth, Georgia

Ann was such a wonderful and kind person. I always loved working in the clinic with her. She was a great nurse and a wonderful human being.

- Sally Welsh, SAVANNAH, GA

Ms. Ann took me in as an Internal Medicine resident at Memorial and taught me how to take care of patients in the clinic. She cared for her patients and the patients loved her as did all of the IM residents. Later when I became an Attending, I still had the pleasure of working with her. We worked hard but had a fun time taking care of patients and training the next generation of doctors. We always sweated out hurricane season and breathed a sigh of relief when November 30th came around and we made it through another summer without a "hit". Though she is no longer with us, she lives on in her family and the many doctors who she helped train. She was a special person who will be missed. I am a better person for knowing her and working with her. I will still always think about her when hurricane season arrives and ends! My deepest condolences to the family. Ed Grimsley, MD Macon, GA

- Ed Grimsley, Macon, GA

Becky,Suzie and Kathleen, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I could always count on your mom for good medical advice and lots of laughs. I always enjoyed our shopping trips with Jill. Take comfort in knowing that y’all took very good care of her at home where I am sure she wanted to be.

- Rhonda Short, Pembroke , Ga

I worked with Ann for many years. I was pranked and then allowed to join in a few. She was always laughing and fun. Our team was special because she was in it. I know she loved her girls very much and was very proud of her grandchildren. I know she will bring laughter and joy to Heaven as she reunites with her loved ones. My prayers are with you for this loss but your memories will never be taken away and I am sure knowing Ann you have a lot of good ones!

- Patty Murphy, Savannah , Georgia

I just heard today of Mrs Kearney’s passing. I was one of her interns back in the early 2000s and could never have asked for a more compassionate, caring and insightful role model. I always loved her stories of growing up in and around Savannah and all the characters she encountered. I was even her “date” to a community Christmas party when Mr Kearney was too ill to go. I counted her as both mentor and friend. Hers was a life well lived. My deepest condolences for your family’s loss but sincere thanks for sharing her with us.

- Mitch Cox, Belvidere, TN

May her memory be a blessing.

- Maureen Maher, Gaithersburg , MD

Blessings and peace to your family.

- Brigitte & Kenny Rentiers , Savannah , Georgia

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
912-898-0900

  • Interment Will Be Private