Ann Stipher
June 23, 1947 - August 29, 2016
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Ann Stipher
June 23, 1947 - August 29, 2016
Obituary
Ann Wilkinson Stipher, 69, passed away at 7:00am, on Monday August 29 after a long battle with cancer.
Ann was born in LaPorte, IN on June 23, 1947 to Jeanne and Ken Wilkinson. She was raised in South Bend, IN with her five siblings. Ann attended Ball State University and then became a flight attendant for TWA.
Ann and Steve Stipher were married on April 8, 1972 in Indiana. They resided in Phoenix, AZ and Danville, CA before settling to raise their family in Mission Viejo, CA where they have lived for the past 30 years.
There was nothing Ann loved more than her family. She was a devoted, loving and loyal wife, mother and grandmother. She and Steve were best friends and spent 44 years together living life side by side. After growing up in a large family and taking care of her younger siblings, Ann knew she wanted to be a mother. Raising Jason, Amy and Ryan was her greatest joy and motherhood suited her perfectly. As much as she loved being a mom, being a grandmother was her ultimate delight. She spent countless hours with each of her four grandchildren, spoiling them with the gift of unconditional love. She was active and fun, always taking them on adventures to the park, pool or the lake. She enjoyed having them spend the night, going to the movies and treating them to ice cream. She was an important and special part of their lives.
Ann also loved her home. Whether she was doing a woodworking project, planting in her garden or cooking a meal for her loved ones, she was as creative and handy as they come.
Surviving along with her husband Steve are her three children: Jason (Beth) Stipher of Laguna Niguel, CA Amy (Dave) Loros of Costa Mesa, CA and Ryan (Rae) Stipher of Anchorage, AK. She is also survived by four grandchildren who were the light of her life: Luka (8), Lilly (7), Finley (5) and Olivia (3).
A funeral mass will be held at St. Killian’s Church in Mission Viejo, CA on Tuesday, September 27, at 12:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to City of Hope. City of Hope is a world leader in the research and treatment of cancer. To honor Ann’s memory please visit this link http://cityofhope.org/cardsforhope or call 866-693-HOPE (4673).
15 responses to Ann Stipher
Suzanne Jones says:
September 7, 2016
Aunt Ann was a bright light. Many years ago I visited the Stiphers, traveling from Indianapolis for my 16th birthday. I remember that she French braided my curly hair and I felt like a princess. She also made the best guacamole I have ever had!
Joanie Wilson says:
September 11, 2016
I have so many wonderful memories of Ann.
To specify one: When you walked into her home (holidays or not) she always had beautiful boutiques of carnations on every table. Ann was always curious (one of the many things I learned from her) which made me look up the definition of carnations and there it was…the perfect description of Ann.
“Fascination, Distinction and Love”
“Delicate, Durable and Delightful all in One”
“Flower of Love or Flower of the Gods”
The carnation’s history dates back to ancient Greek and Roman times.
Christians believe that the first carnation bloomed on earth when Mary wept for
Jesus as he carried his cross.
We all are now weeping for the loss of you, dear Ann.
But you will forever bloom within our hearts!
Joanie Wilson
Kevin Lewis says:
September 11, 2016
So many memories to share, Ann and Steve were like second parents to me for the last 25 years. They always will be. But one of my favorite memories of Ann was only a few months ago. Ann’s battle with cancer has been such an inspiration to my wife Lisa and I, and to have seen her at the beach earlier this summer with Jason, Beth, Luka, and Finley was amazing. She looked beautiful, strong, and it inspired Lisa and I. The Ann from that day at DoHo was the Ann I will always remember, I’m so grateful for that day. We love you Stiphers, and we will NEVER forget Ann! Looking forward to seeing you on 8/27.
Steve & MaryEllen Lewis says:
September 11, 2016
We can never replace what we all lost; knowing Ann. These 25 years are filled with memories of good times and bad. The fun we had with family and friends together, the road trips and games, the concerts at Lake Mission Viejo, and the ever popular, just
“dining out”, or Happy Hour. We always enjoyed time spent with Ann and Steve. We will miss her. You’ve both been a close part of our entire family…good people, great friends!
These last few years, sharing life’s struggles together have only strengthened our friendship. Ann’s courage, determination, and fighting attitude are wonderful examples
for her family to be very proud of.
Ann was a loyal, loving wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and a fantastic
“handywoman and gardener”. We’ll miss Ann, but know that her void will be filled with positive and loving memories…until we meet again. We love the Stipher’s.
Jack Carr Boyd, says:
September 12, 2016
“There is no death, Steve. People die only when we forget them,’ my mother explained shortly before she left me. ‘If you can remember me, I will be with you always.” Ann was a classy lady with charm and poise that was radiating. She was kind and concerned to always make you comfortable like a long long friend. I think there is a big loss to all who got to meet her and to somewhat know her, but most to you my friend, her BEST…
I will continue my prayers for you both… From one widower to another…
“Kiss your love ones often..
And OFTEN is never enough…” Jack Carr Boyd, July 4th., 2008