Ann J. (Hammond) Kidston

Ann Janet Hammond Kidston, 89, of Climax, Michigan, passed away at her home on January 23, 2025. She was born on February 25, 1935, to Doctor Walter Wesley, Jr. and Eleanor (McGee) Hammond in Danville, Pennsylvania. 

Ann graduated from Plymouth High School in 1953, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a major in Speech Correction from the University of Michigan in 1957. Later she obtained her Master’s Degree in Special Education from Western Michigan University.

After graduating from U of M, Ann moved to Camp LeJeune in North Carolina, where her husband, Roger, was stationed with the Marine Corps. She began her teaching career at Camp LeJeune. Later, she taught speech correction in the Michigan Bay County schools and special education in Kalamazoo and Southeastern Junior High in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Ann’s friend and fellow educator, Selena, shared these memories: “Ann was a light in the pathway of her students. She treasured each student and made them feel needed in her classroom. She took the time to teach them life skills about supply and demand. Ann collected things to auction off as it related to English, spelling, math, geography, and music. As students learned to write imaginary checks, they learned the value of getting along as they bartered for specific items. A sense of humor and treating each other with respect was a part of the lesson. Privileges were earned, and knowledge was power.”

In addition to nurturing young minds in public schools, Ann taught Sunday school in the First Congregational Church. She also cared for foster children in her home, providing them with stability and love. She found joy in teaching, instilling values of faith, kindness, and community. 

Ann had an enthusiasm for cultural exchange. She welcomed Western Michigan University international students into her home over the holidays. She also hosted Youth for Understanding high school exchange students. They enriched her household with their stories, traditions, and perspectives. These students, far from their own families, found in her a maternal figure who provided not just shelter, but a sense of belonging and comfort.

Ann had a wide range of interests. She performed as a majorette in the marching band and enjoyed playing the clarinet and piano. She participated in symphony and pep bands throughout high school and college and attended Interlochen’s music camp over multiple summers. Swimming was her favorite sport. She taught life-saving classes and was a member of the U of M synchronized swim team. Ann’s early years as a Girl Scout inspired her to become a Girl Scout leader when her daughters were old enough to join. 

Ann was a proud lifelong sister of the Tri Delta Sorority. Her local Kalamazoo alumnae chapter nominated her for the prestigious Ernestine Block Grigsby Award. This award recognizes a woman who has significantly contributed to her Tri Delta community. 

She was one of Michigan's small community of female pilots in the 1970s and a member of the aviation organization AOPA. With two licensed pilots in the family, she, Roger and their family flew on many adventures across North America.

She was a devoted mother and took immense satisfaction in her children’s character, compassion, and intelligence, considering these virtues her greatest accomplishments. Ann always felt blessed to be connected to so many loving family and friends. She enjoyed doing things for others. During the Christmas season, she spent many hours making dozens of delicious cinnamon coffee cake wreaths that people looked forward to receiving every year.

She took great pride in living on land that had been in her family in the 1800s. She valued the local wildlife and worked to safeguard the environment. She explored alternative energy sources such as geothermal. She enjoyed learning about the plants on her property. She found some were invasive, destructive, yet edible, and worked to educate others about them.

Ann’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and service to others. Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of compassion, intelligence, creativity, and humor. She leaves behind an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her light will forever shine in the hearts of her family, friends, and students, reminding us of the power of a life well-lived.

Ann is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Kidston and Cynthia "Cindy" Keyes; her son, Kevin (Sarah “Sally”) Kidston; and her cherished grandchildren, Justin Keyes, Jacob (Shinzana) Kidston, Allison Kidston, and Kayla Kidston. She is also remembered by her great-grandchildren, Leah Keyes and Wesley Keyes, her brother, Hobart Hammond, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ann was predeceased by her parents, former husband Roger, her elder brother, Walter Hammond III, and her son-in-law Jim Keyes.

Visitation is on Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM ET at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Burial & Cremation Services, 411 East Centre Avenue, Portage MI, 49002. According to her wishes, she has been cremated. 

Her family would like to thank Ann’s compassionate caregivers; Beth and Mark Drallette, Dennette Schettner, Wings of Hope Hospice and Arcadia Home Care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Wings of Hope Hospice, to the Kalamazoo First Congregational Church or to the Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the guest book or leave a message.