Phyllis Ann Hill Froelich passed on Sunday morning, October 23, 2022, surrounded by family after fighting a long battle with Parkinson's disease. She was 78 years old.

Ann was born on March 21, 1944, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to George Hill and Myra Eloise Leissler Hill. Ann spent the earliest years of her life growing up in Bellville, Texas. Her interest in Texas history began early as she spent many days looking for old artifacts at her grandparents' home, located on the original site of San Felipe de Austin. Ann moved to Austin and graduated from Austin High School where she was a class officer, National Merit Scholar, and one of the first dual credit enrollees at UT-Austin. She then attended UT-Austin where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority.

In 1963, Ann married Wayne Froelich and moved to Huntsville, Texas where she pursued an education in History and English at Sam Houston State University. Ann continued to follow her love of learning and completed her master's degree in history at Sam Houston, focusing on Texas history. Ann worked as a Professor of History at Sam Houston for eight years.

As her children entered the Huntsville school system, she committed herself to the public education effort and served as a counselor and assistant principal at Huntsville High School for five years. She then served as Principal of Huntsville High School for thirteen years and was selected Region VI Principal of the Year in 1997. Ann then served as the Director of Human Resources for Huntsville ISD. At the time of her retirement in 2000, Ann had served in the education profession for thirty years.

Ann was a dedicated member of the Sam Houston State Alumni Association and Texas Exes. She also served as the Legislative Chair for the Walker County Retired Teachers Association for over twelve years, through which she protected and advocated for benefits and healthcare for retired Texas teachers. She was appointed to the advisory board of the Sam Houston State University College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Ann continued her commitment to historical education through her work with the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. Ann and Wayne were also dedicated "Flying Longhorns", traveling to over 50 countries in their almost 60 years of marriage.

Ann, or "Annie" as she was known to her grandkids, is survived by her husband, Wayne, daughter Kara Froelich-Pittman, her spouse Carl Pittman, son Kyle Froelich, and his spouse Elizabeth Froelich. Grandchildren include Taylor Pittman, Austin Pittman, Preston Froelich, Griffin Froelich, Ethan Gates, Oakley Gates, Marie Gates, and Wyatt Gates. Ann is also survived by her brother David Hill and his wife Barbara Hill. Ann touched the lives of many students, faculty, and members of the Huntsville community. The visitation will be held Friday, October 28 th from 5-7 p.m. at Heritage Oak Funeral Home. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 29 th at First United Methodist Church of Huntsville.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to the Ann Froelich Educational Scholarship Fund at First National Bank of Huntsville.