Ann Kathryn Stiles, age 53, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, May 8, 2013 in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. She was born May 12, 1959 in Neenah, Wisconsin the daughter of James and Kathryn (Pheifer) Votava.
Ann grew up in Wisconsin, later moving to Darien, Connecticut where she excelled in high school gymnastics becoming a state gymnastics champion, graduating in 1977 from Darien High School.
She attended the University of New Hampshire where she competed in gymnastics and competed in the National Championships in Seattle. Ann transferred to the University of Wisconsin in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and graduated with a degree in Health Care Administration in 1982.
Ann began her management career working in nursing home facilities in Wisconsin and Utah, later moving to Washington where she worked as executive director for Village Concepts at Harbor Tower Village in Oak Harbor and Country Meadow Village in Sedro-Woolley. She had a flair for making places thrive and the ability to influence her employees to strive for excellence because she would not ask anyone to do something she wouldn’t do herself. Ann deemed it a privilege to serve the residents of the facilities she managed.
Her interests first and foremost were her children and everything else came second. She was a mother to every child that entered her life especially her children’s friends and she left a deep impact to everyone that she touched.
Her activities included running, hiking, and biking competively, many times placing first in her age group. She ran her first marathon in Minneapolis and later in Utah in the dessert. She coached gymnastics while living on Whidbey Island. Ann loved flowers, gardening, and especially tulips. She was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sedro-Woolley Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and was on the Board of Trustees of Josephine Sunset Home in Stanwood.
Ann supported charities far and wife and last year went to Mexico to build homes with members from Bethlehem Lutheran Church and has sponsored a girl in Thailand for many years. Her kindness knew no bounds and she loved to give to others.
She is survived by her husband Brian Stiles whom she married on November 11, 2011, of the family home in Sedro-Woolley. Her son, Patrick Myatt of Bellingham and her daughter Mary Kelley of the family home. Step-Daughters, Alicia Stiles of Woodinville and Kaylee Stiles and Sarah Diamond and two twin granddaughters, Kinsey and Emry Hanson all of Sedro-Woolley. Her parents, James and Kathryn Votava of Neenah, WI and brother, Scott Votava and his wife Connie of Marshall, MI and sister, Amy Hemphill and her husband Dave of Minneapolis, MN. Seven nieces and nephews and the many family members of the Stiles Family. She was preceded in death by her previous husband Tim Kelley on July 31, 2003.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 2:00PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1006 Wicker Rd Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Darrell Schoen officiating with cremation to follow the services. A reception will follow after the service in the parish hall. Visitation is available at Lemley Chapel on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. Memorials are suggested to Esperanza Mission Work in Tijuana, Mexico care of Bethlehem Lutheran Church 1006 Wicker Rd Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284. Share your memories of Ann on our online guestbook at www.lemleychapel.com
