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Obit
Annie Higgins Metzger-Lundt, a much loved and widely respected flight attendant, died at her home in north Fort Collins on June 28, 2019. She was 56.
Feeling their loss, those at her bedside described her as classy, impeccable and timeless, devoted to high professional standards and able to lead a crew and serve passengers with charming calm. In recent years she often wore a swath of her pretty hair to the side over a front shoulder, like Disney’s frozen Elsa. Also feisty, independent, mischievous and a live wire at a party, Annie loved and cared for people of all kinds.
Born in Portland, Oregon, on October 3, 1962, to Roland and Patty Higgins, of Medford, she became an only child after a younger brother died while being born.
After graduating from college in three years with one degree in psychology and another in French, Annie went to work for Eastern Airlines.
Throughout her life she faced challenges with dignity and grace, never complaining. In 2006 her journey took her to Denver, where she met United flight attendant Rick Lundt. A fellow flight attendant played matchmaker. Rick and Annie were married on September 19, 2009. They often flew together, enjoying each other’s company. On vacation cruises she would pull him onto dance floors.
Annie followed the news closely, played the stock market and read romance novels.
To her, flying was more than a career. It was a life. She embraced it, and it energized her. She was never late for work. She loved everything about being in the air, said flight attendants who held her hands toward the end, recalling along with Rick that Annie’s captivating voice and enthusiasm could lead passengers to pay attention even during pre-flight explanations of safety matters.
Following a two-year struggle with lung cancer, Annie passed in peace, resting in Jesus, assured of her destination.
Annie’s parents preceded her in death. She is survived by Rick and other relatives whose lives were touched deeply by hers.
A private service will be held for Annie. A Celebration of Life will be held by her friends at United and will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Pathways Hospice in Fort Collins.
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Debbie Lindley
Thanks for posting Mary! You are always on top of things! : )
Annie was a very special person who loved all. She became my friend when we met, when I was around 4 or 5 years old. Our paths/friends in high school were different, but glad we reconnected after college & she became a very dear friend. Her aunt & husband was with her at the end & said she was not in any pain. She was one of the stongest people I have known. She loved to laugh & I will never forget the sound of it, as I heard it so much. She is now in heaven & reunited with her parents, whom were deceased before she turned 40.
Mark Mullaney
Rest peacefully Anne. Although Anne and I did not run in the same circles we were great friends throughout our education years in Medford. I always admired Anne for her awesome smile, enthusiastic attitude and that beautiful hair. :). Anne was certainly a thow back, classy lady. I had the great privilege of reconnecting with Anne about 8 years ago. I was traveling a lot and as a flight attendent Anne was too. I was on a United flight into Denver and kept looking at the flight attendent saying to myself... I know her. It finally hit me and I asked her if she was Anne Higgins. We had a wonderful embrace and conversation. She was her typical self, big smile, positive energy, funny and of course the hair. Over the next 6 years I ran into Anne at least once a year either in on a flight, in an airport, even once on an airport hotel shuttle. Every interaction was full of energy, smiles and laughs. On one such encounter I even met her husband, great guy. Anne absolutely LOVED her job, she was great with her customers. The friendly skies have lost a great one!!! Enjoy the flight in heaven Anne.
Love and admiration
MM
Debbie Lindley
Mark, thank you for sharing; you really described who Annie was, & yes, she always loved to laugh!! United sure lost the best worker, & most loyal employee they could ever have.
Kelley Stanley (Nicholson)
I am so sad to hear of Annie’s passing! She was a beautiful person inside and out. She was kind and compassionate. With positive, uplifting words, Annie helped me get through the death of my mother, who died at 58 years of age 19 years ago. By phone or letter, she always knew just the right words to say to comfort my broken heart! Annie was a true friend and will be dearly missed!
Debra Trevino (Buckallew)
I was so sad to see this news posted on Facebook recently and part of me still thinks I will be receiving one of her amazing Christmas letters later this year.
Annie and I met in French class Freshman year at Mid High and remained close throughout high school. There are so many great memories from that time but I will especially remember all those days and nights working together on the school newspaper. She kept me (and many others) sane during those days 😊
Although we we were in different cities and states after graduation, we could go for months or years without talking, then get on the phone and it was as if no time had passed. She was always full of wisdom and advice and would lend an ear no matter what she was going through herself. She helped me get through the loss of my parents also...we shared being only children so she could understand thins the way no one else could
I am so glad I was able to attend her wedding to Rick and loved seeing her so happy. And, boy, she knew how to throw a great wedding reception!
I will miss her so very much but thank my lucky stars that I could call her my friend. She was truly one of a kind. RIP Sweet Annie ♥️
Carol Bolien (Terry)
Anne was a good friend. We went through Girl Scouts together, Swim Team, College, my 21st B-day, the twists and turns of life and the deaths of our parents. Anne was always there with a kind word and I knew she had my back. She was a beautiful intelligent woman. I am really going to miss her. Prayers for her family. Love Carol
Clayton Wienecke
It’s so sad to hear Anne passed away. I will always remember Anne as my favorite Square Dance partner during Mr. Kramer’s (I hope I remember his name) P.E. class at Wilson Elementary. RIP Anne