Elizabeth Ann Conner

Elizabeth Ann Cline Phipps Conner, 93, of Morgantown, WV, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025. Born December 19, 1931, in Gilbert, WV, Ann was the daughter of A. L. (Lonnie) and Iva L. Hatfield Cline. A proud graduate of Gilbert High School, she was an honor student and cheerleader. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree from West Virginia University in 1953, where she was also a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.

Ann married Lowell Phipps of Gilbert in 1953. She spent 24 years as a beloved music educator and church music director, remembered by generations of students for her dedication, encouragement, and enthusiasm for learning. Her passion for teaching extended beyond the classroom—she nurtured creativity, confidence, and community through music.

After Lowell’s passing in 1976, Ann later married Robert Conner, a retired WVU professor, in 1979. Together they made their home in Morgantown and shared a rich life filled with travel, love, and companionship. They were both dedicated fans of WVU sports and rarely missed a Mountaineer game. Whether cheering from the stands or from her living room, she followed the teams with passion and pride – her spirit as vibrant as any student in the stadium.

In addition to her professional life, Ann was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of her garden club and book club and was known for her love of entertaining. She took great joy in hosting gatherings, tending to her garden, and creating warm, welcoming spaces filled with music, flowers, and good conversation. Her hospitality, kindness, and gentle presence touched all who knew her.

Ann was preceded in death by her first husband, Lowell Phipps; her second husband, Robert Conner; her brother, Ralph Cline; and her beloved daughter, Debra, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 67.

Ann is survived by her brother, Jack Cline of Summersville, WV; her grandchildren, Megan Burgess of Morgantown, WV, and Blake (Siera) Burgess of Birmingham, AL; and three great-grandchildren, Brooks, Myla, and Hayes Burgess. She is also survived by her 3 stepchildren, Terry (Jim) Magro, Robert (Barbara) Conner, and Bradley (Loni) Conner, and six loving nieces and nephews.

Ann’s life was a testament to grace, resilience, and devotion—to her students, her family, her friends, and her community. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service to celebrate Ann’s life will be announced at a later date.

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com