Ann Brightwell Pedigo, 86, long time Denton resident, passed away peacefully at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Denton surrounded by family on March 21 ^st , 2022.  She was born in Fort Worth, TX to Otis and Ida May Brightwell.  In 1953 Ann graduated from Arlington Heights High School where she was voted "Most Brilliant".  She attended the University of Oklahoma and Texas Christian University where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority.  Ann was presented at the 39 ^th Steeplechase Ball in Fort Worth as one of nine debutantes Nov. 18, 1955.

In June of 1956 Ann was married to the love of her life Dr. Smith James (Jim) Pedigo. They moved to

El Toro marine base in California where Jim was stationed in the Navy.   He had a passion for golf and taught her how to play.  In 1958 the couple moved to Denton so Jim could start his medical practice.  Ann served as president of the Women's Auxiliary to the Denton County Medical Society from 1963-64.    She was also a founder of the Westgate Hospital Medical Center Auxiliary and served as president from 1974-75.

As a member of the Denton Country Club (DCC) Ann excelled at golf.  In 1963 she became the first president of the DCC LGA, and in 1969 won the Women's Club Championship.  Ann won many tournaments and broke the DCC women's course record by shooting a 71 October 14, 1965.  Additional golfing accolades included a hole in one on the courses 8 ^th hole and one time course record holder at Denton's first miniature golf course.

Ann's other passions included fishing, fashion, and photography.  She loved the outdoors and truly enjoyed capturing the beauty of nature in pictures.  She spent countless hours fishing, birdwatching, and studying the habits of neighborhood squirrels.  Ann could identify the species of almost any bird, and had a special affection for roadrunners and hummingbirds.   As a proud grandmother, she loved spoiling her grandkids and used her photography skills to chronicle their lives.  Ann possessed a keen sense of fashion and used this knowledge selling women's clothing for many years.   She was a member of Denton Bible Church and former member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dr. Jim Pedigo, and brother Otis James Brightwell.  She is survived by sons Scott Pedigo and wife Gwinna, Chris Pedigo, Sam Pedigo and his children Courtney and Samuel Pedigo.

Whether in her capacity as mom or "Nana", she was always ready with a smile, a shoulder, or her seemingly unlimited wisdom.  She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service officiated by Reverend Stan Steadman will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 in the chapel of Mulkey-Bowles- Montgomery Funeral Home 705 North Locust St, Denton. A visitation will be held from 1:30-2:00 before the service.

In lieu of flowers Ann's wishes were that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association for continued research.  The address is 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or from their website act.alz.org/donate.  If donating by check, please include "Research" in the notes area.