André Louisa “Ann” Fuhrman was released into eternal healing and rest on September 11, 2020 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She is joined in heaven by her beloved husband, Russell “Rusty” Fuhrman, parents Bill and Bertha Cannon, and brother Travis Cannon.

She leaves a host of friends and loving family: sister Irma Jean Lee, brother Elbert Cannon (Doris), daughter Micki Fuhrman Milom (Michael), son Russell “Russ” Fuhrman, Jr., granddaughters Hannah Louisa Harvey and Molly John-Marie Harvey, great-grandson Noah Lucas Harvey Milom and many nieces and nephews.

Ann was born November 15 (she never disclosed the year) in Coushatta, Louisiana. She attended Martin High School, where she was a feisty forward on the basketball team and first-chair violinist for the orchestra.

After her marriage to Rusty, a Minnesota native, she lived in Shreveport before eventually returning to her hometown of Coushatta. Ann operated André’s Beauty Salon until she decided to follow her true calling, getting a degree in Early Childhood Education from Northwestern State University. She loved teaching preschoolers, first at Head Start – Coushatta, then for several years at Riverdale Academy Preschool. Her teaching methods were imaginative and effective, with every one of her students moving to kindergarten already able to read.

In the 1980s, Ann created and produced a Coushatta event called “The Red River Whing Ding,” a festival that included a large flea market, a “Louisiana Hayride” performance, carnival games and an originally scripted production of “Hee Haw,” using local residents as cast members.

Ann loved traveling, shopping with her sister, producing original plays for her home church, Salt Springs Worship Center, and also taught Sunday school, served as a youth leader and pianist. Her summers were spent with Rusty and her Minnesota family and friends at their Lake Minnewaska cabin near Glenwood. She frequently hosted dinners for her lake neighbors and family, introducing them to hush puppies and other Southern foods. Ann became interested in a local legend about a Sioux Indian girl, leading her to write and illustrate a children’s book series called “Minnewaska: Sioux Princess.”

Ann’s family expresses deep appreciation to Doctors Robert Hernandez, Laura Perkins, Wyche T. Coleman, Gregory Bell, the staff and caregivers at Heritage Manor Stratmore, Specialty Rehab, Advantage Home Health and Peggy Moore in particular, for their kind and compassionate care.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15, at 11:00 A.M. at the Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation from 9:30 until service time. Ministers are William Hall and Norene Delp. Pallbearers are Rodney Cannon, Randall Cannon, Russ Fuhrman, David Price, Guy Breider and Jerry Roger Perkins, Jr., with Michael Milom serving as honorary pallbearer. Regarding remembrances, Ann loved flowers and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.