Ruby "Ann" (Wilcox) Liberatori

 Ann Wilcox Liberatori, 86, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Ann was born on February 5,1937, in Columbus, Georgia, to Bert and Janie Wilcox. She worked in the dentistry field her entire adult life as a periodontal and oral surgery assistant helping her reticent dental patients conquer their fears with her bright blue eyes and heartfelt smile.

While sitting in her 1957 Chevy at Jimmie’s Drive-In Restaurant, in Panama City, Florida she met a handsome serviceman who was in nearby pilot training and several months later she married Francis “Frank” Liberatori on November 25, 1958.

She spent the next 27 years in the USAF, traveling the world.  Of all the duty stations, Wildflecken Germany was Ann’s favorite. Living her best life as a twenty something with her beloved husband Frank, she skied the mountain slopes and enjoyed the camaraderie with both military and German friends like Wanda Fendert. For her twenty-fifth birthday, Frank gifted her a miniature Poodle, Suzy, of the breed she had yearned for in her youth. 

While stationed at Kansas State University after returning from Germany, Ann and Frank celebrated the birth of their cherished daughter Liz at Fort Riley Army Hospital.  Ann enjoyed traveling, spending times with friends, entertaining with her southern and Italian cooking and caring for her precious pets.

She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. Ann’s kindness, selflessness and generous heart will long be remembered.  With her energetic and positive outlook on life, she greatly inspired everyone who knew her with her courage, beauty, grace, and love.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Janie Wilcox, and her three brothers Billie, Sonny, and Jack Wilcox. She is survived by her sisters Gloria Manner of Kissimmee, FL, and Sue Richardson of Albany Georgia, her husband Frank of Santa Rosa Beach, her daughter and son-in-law Liz and Denis Coffey, Jr. of Panama City, FL and her nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren who will greatly miss her and her perfectly prepared grits and southern fried chicken.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Christ our Redeemer Catholic Church of Niceville, FL at 9:00 A.M. with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 A.M. Father Bob Johnson will officiate the service. An honor guard from the Knights of Columbus will participate. Interment will follow at the Barrancas National Cemetery at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. All are welcome to attend and share their memories of Ann.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to local animal or Christian charities.

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