Ann Marie Ziegler Batliner

Shawnee, Kansas

May 27, 1975 - June 17, 2016

Those beautiful, bright blue eyes.

Ann Marie Ziegler Batliner will always be remembered for so many enduring attributes, among them her warm and radiant eyes that offered a vibrant view into a kindred soul who loved so many - and was loved by so many more since the day she was born.

On May 27, 1975, one of the happiest days of her Mom and Dad's life, a beautiful, healthy baby girl entered the world: Ann Marie Ziegler.

At age 3, her family moved to Kansas City. As a young girl, her days were spent dancing, doing cartwheels, playing Barbies and sports. She was strong, athletic, beautiful and so very talented. Ann was a graduate of St. Teresa's Academy and earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She recently obtained her master's degree in social work at the University of Kansas.

Described by those closest to her as tenacious, proud and smart, Ann was also a fun-loving free spirit who understood the importance of embracing life's lighthearted moments. Spontaneous dance parties with her children are cherished memories for them. Ann always appreciated the healing power of having fun, and sharing it with others. A perfect Saturday for Ann would be a hot summer day spent on the lake, boating, tubing, jet-skiing and having fun with her kids, family and friends.

Mother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin and friend, Ann will be greatly missed by those who were blessed to know her and love her while she graced this world. Somewhere in heaven, the sounds of music are filling the atmosphere of an endless dance party - and Ann is enjoying every enchanted moment.

Ann is survived by her four children, Zachary, Miles, Oliver and Amelia; her mother, Rebecca Ziegler, and father, Joseph Patrick Ziegler, of Lee's Summit, MO; sister, Christin Kauten, and husband, Joe Kauten, of Kansas City, MO; brother, David Ziegler, of Grandview, MO; nieces Grace and Ava Kauten; maternal grandparents, Robert and Wilma Parsons, of Bella Vista, AR; paternal grandfather, John Ziegler, of Girard, KS; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Ann is preceded in death by her former husband and children's father, William "Bill" Batliner, and her paternal grandmother, Jeanne Ziegler Milholland.

Services will be held at Oak Hills Presbyterian Church, 5638 Goddard Street, Shawnee, Kansas, on Monday, June 27. The family will welcome friends and relatives at 3pm and the service will be held at 4pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Batliner Children Education Fund, c/o Christin Kauten, 6921 Brookside Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64113.