Ann G. Gettinger of Savannah, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 7:46 p.m. at Candler Hospital. She will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing and loving her.
Ann was born on January 6, 1935. She was the true definition of a survivor, faithful, firm, and steadfast in her love for family, friends, and even strangers. From her earliest years until her final breath, Ann advocated for those who could not speak for themselves. She loved people unconditionally and devoted her life to helping others.
She was a trailblazer in Savannah, the first to fight for opportunities for the mentally challenged. Ann fought for bowling leagues, basketball teams, and cheerleading programs so that every child and adult could have the chance to experience joy, community, and belonging. Her passion for people and fierce determination to create change left a legacy that will continue inspiring generations.
Ann touched countless lives. A true prayer warrior, there are many stories of how her words changed outlooks, lifted prayers, and brought encouragement when needed most. She was known all over town for being faithfully by the side of her son, John, and her grandchildren, Karen and Jim. Her love profoundly shaped their lives; they experienced God’s love and joy through her presence. Ann will always be remembered as beautiful inside and out, an extraordinary woman, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and best friend anyone could ever want.
On December 31, 1958, after a one-month courtship, she married the love of her life, Master Sergeant James Edward Gettinger. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2009. Together, they built a legacy of soulmate love, faith, and family.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Master Sergeant James Edward Gettinger, and their sons, John Gettinger and Clyde Gettinger. She is survived by her daughters, Jamie White and Ruby Gettinger; her son-in-law, Steve White; and her precious grandchildren, Karen White and James Gettinger, along with many beloved extended family members and friends.
The family is comforted knowing Ann is reunited with James, John, and Clyde in heaven. Though she will be deeply missed, her faith, love, and the incredible life and legacy she leaves behind will remain in our hearts until we see her again.
A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025 – 11:00 a.m. Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center 1328 Dean Forest Road, Savannah, Georgia 31405
Officiants:
Reverend Michael Locklear from First Free Will Baptist Church
Mr. Del Ferguson from Hunter Cattle Co.
The Reverend Robert H. Dimmitt from Ferguson Baptist Church
Interment: Greenwich Section of Bonaventure Cemetery
Repast: Immediately following at First Free Will Baptist Church, 5210 Skidaway Road, Savannah, Georgia 31404
Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ruby Gives Hope (https://www.rubygettinger.
Acknowledgment
The family of Ann G. Gettinger wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the BEST respiratory team at Candler Hospital, the BEST ICU team, and the PCU nurses who showed so much love, comfort, and compassion, fighting for her every step of the way.
Special thanks to her dedicated lung doctors, Dr. Masood Ahmed and Dr. Wumi Oguntunmibi; her beloved physician, Dr. Steven Corse; and Shana Standard for their extraordinary care.
The family is forever thankful for each of you and for the prayers, love, and support you have shown during this time of loss.
Offer Condolence for the family of Ann G. Gettinger January 6, 1935 – September 2, 2025
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Georgia
I loved Mom so much!! She was truly a second mother to me for over 40 years. She cared for me and my boys with so much love. Your family is my family. She will be greatly missed by all of us. I love you all so much.
DANETTE HORTON
Ruby and Jamie and family just found out Sunday that your mom passed away i remember the day when my teacher from school and her husband that work for ssa office at that time and help me get my disability money and remember you mom being at the special olympics games when we played softball and was there when john and me bowled together so many year ago. And had a group of us that sing somewhere she was a second mother to me and always had a big smile DANETTE HORTON
Candy Munn
Ruby and Jamie!
Your mom touched so many lives! I remember first meeting her and John at the Food Lion on waters Ave! They both became my favorite customers! I always looked forward to seeing them show up! They both had an incredible smile that I will always cherish! It still touches my heart to this day!
I know you will miss your mom dearly!
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely,
Candy Munn
Ponnie Reed
Ruby
Your Mom was so sweet and with a gentle spirit. I remember all the things she did for us when we were Girl Scouts . She was always involved in our daily adventures. My
Parents thought so much of her . I will be remembering you in prayer. Love to you and your sister . Love Ponnie Reed❤️
Leslie McGinty
Your mom was one of the most precious people I have ever known. She was a faithful prayer warrior and loved people so well. We will miss her and her sweet smile, but we will see her again.
Praying for the Lord’s strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Love you so much
Beth Winegardner
To the family of Miss Ann,
I am truly sorry for your loss! Ann was and still is a light as strong as a light house in this dark dark world!
To Jim and Karen,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beloved Grandma! She loved you both so dearly!
To Ruby,
My heart breaks for you and it’s all too much now but I am here for you no matter what♥️
Sharon Waters
Miss Ann was a sweet lady who loved her family so very much. When I took care of her at St. Joseph’s Hospital she was more worried about her family than what she was going through. At that time Ruby wasn’t feeling well and she told me how worried she was about “ her Ruby.” I told her that Ruby will be fine and not to worry. She will be dearly missed and I’m praying for her family to have strength, comfort and peace. Love y’all, Sharon and Alan Waters
Sheila Sisk
There are no words that can comfort during a loss so great. And a Wound so deep that only God can heal. Truly, we are. “ jealous of the angels around the throne tonight.”
Jan Norton
Ruby, Jim and family, I pray for peace and comfort for you all. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one. Just know there are so many people that love you. My heart breaks for you. Remember, because he lived you can face tomorrow. You will see her again. I love you all.
Janet Ward Smiley
Mrs. Anne was a wonderful woman and honestly I believe a secret spy. She always knew when we were all up to some kind of mischief (which was often) and always warned us in love to behave. She always welcomed me with open arms the many many many times I was at her home and I loved her dearly. She would will be missed but she is rejoicing right now with her Heavenly Father. I love you Jamie & Ruby so much.
Kati K Hurst
Oh ruby! So sorry for your loss: prayers for strength and healing during this time.
Rachie + Shelly
Ruby,
Your mom carried a beautiful presence with her and it was felt by everyone she met. She leaves behind a beautiful story. May you find comfort in the memory of her, as you walk out each day. Remember you are never alone. Love you so much!
Julie
I’m so sorry for your loss and I am praying for you and your family and wish you well.
Carol Bannister
I am so sorry for your loss. God is with you and will see you on to better times.
Apparently you learned well from your mom with your caring for others.
You have been such a blessing to me since I started watching you so long ago. Love and prayers for you and your family
Nafeisa Shukair-Farley
May the Angels welcome sweet Ms. Ann at the gates of Heaven and escort her into Paradise. Sending prayers, love and light.
Love always, Naf.
Lori
So sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. Cherish your memories!
Karen Fitts
Ruby, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. You loved her dearly, and she truly was an angel on earth. I remember her saying that she didn’t know where you came from. Your heart is so big, yet it often gets broken by others. You have a childlike faith when it comes to Jesus. You are beautiful.
Kim R.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sending lots of prayers to you and your family.
Ed Franks
I understand that I can’t make your pain go away, but I want you to know that I’m here for you. Whether you need someone to cry on, someone to listen, or anything else, I’m ready to help. You may not know me, but I sent you my phone number on Facebook.
Jonequa Bell
Ruby, Jamie and Jim
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal, I love you guys. Ms.Ann was a jewel,she will be missed.I was her caregiver but she was my angel. I will forever keep her in my heart ❤️. I will continue to pray for you guys during this difficult time 🙏🏾
Love always and forever, JoJo
Alison H
Ruby,
I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏 ❤️ love and hugs to you all 🩷 Always remember she is still with you 💖 and you have so many memories to cherish forever 💖 xoxo 💕
Herman and Margie Mongin
Saddened to learn of the homegoing of your Mother. Your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time!
George Bailey
Ruby, I’m from Utah, and I loved your show but even more, I admire the beautiful person you are. You’re absolutely gorgeous, and your size doesn’t matter to me. I’m hoping to come to the funeral will it be open for anyone to attend? From watching you on TV and seeing your posts, it’s clear how deeply you loved your mom.
Janet Watts
So very sorry for your loss! Prayers you & your family.
Janet Watts
Linda Shellhamer
Grandma Ann was everyone’s “matriarch “. Precious and loving role model for all. Some things were for certain…She loved her family and she was crazy about my brother! On my last visit with Grandma we spoke to Karen on speakerphone. As weak as her body was, her eyes lit up with expression when she heard Karen’s sweet voice. When we ended the call, Grandma looked at me and said “you know Karen’s really smart”. She was one proud lady.
Grace and Christopher Neal
Ruby, Jamie, Steve, Karen, Jim and Jeff too
I send love and prayers for healing hearts as we say “ see you in heaven” to a very special lady! Ann was among the ladies who were mentors to me as Christopher got older . They paved the way for so many of us with special children. I was blessed to know her and proud to be considered a friend. She touched so many lives in so many ways and for that we have all been blessed. Many people don’t understand what it’s like to be a military wife to pack up all your children and move around the world and follow your husband the man that you love with all your heart. She was very special in many ways she was an example setter for sure. I join you and celebrating her wonderful life and knowing that together, we will all be in God‘s house although she will be missed here on earth how glorious for her to be home and to have now seen Jesus we all have a mission here and she met her head on and served our Lord and Savior well. I know she was told well done my child. My heart is with each of you and Ruby. You know I’ll answer my phone. (family joke)
Christopher and I love all of you very much
David
I’m praying for you, Ruby. Your mom was a truly special lady! I remember all of us spending the night at your house and how she always invited everyone over for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner, making sure no one was alone. I also recall us helping her with the special kids’ Christmas carols. I love you, Ruby. Let’s start hanging out again. You’re a timeless beauty.
Betty Slaughter
So sorry for the loss of your precious mother. She is now resting in the arms of our Lord and Savior. Prayers for you Ruby and your family. God bless you all.
Ann Riddell
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your sweet mom, Ruby and Jamie.
Lord, be near each family member with your tender care as they navigate through this season of grief and loss.
Love you guys,
Ann
Bonnie Ayers
I am so sorry for the passing of your Mother. I pray for your peace and comfort. Sending my love to you and your family.
Frank G. Murray
Ruby and family, I am ao sorry for your loss. You and all of the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ruby, you probably don’t remember me, I’m with Gamble Funeral Service, I drove you and others to the service on your love one.
I have most respect for you and what? You have done, and still do. May God bless you and all during this time.
🙏🙏🙏🙏
DANETTE HORTON
Ruby and Jamie and family just found out Sunday that your mom passed away i remember the day when my teacher from school and her husband that work for ssa office at that time and help me get my disability money and remember you mom being at the special olympics games when we played softball and was there when john and me bowled together so many year ago. And had a group of us that sing somewhere she was a second mother to me and always had a big smile DANETTE HORTON
DANETTE HORTON
Ruby and Jamie and family just found out Sunday that your mom passed away i remember the day when my teacher from school and her husband that work for ssa office at that time and help me get my disability money and remember you mom being at the special olympics games when we played softball and was there when john and me bowled together so many year ago. And had a group of us that sing somewhere she was a second mother to me and always had a big smile
Nina Leters
Ruby, I never had the chance to meet your mom, but from all the pictures I’ve seen, it’s clear that she was a woman of God. It was evident how much you adored her. I am sending you, your family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched a lot of love!
Meemaw
Ruby,
My deepest condolences regarding the passing of your beloved mother! I’m sure you miss her dearly however rest assured, she will always be with you for mothers hold our hands for a short while but have us in their hearts forever!❤️