Ann H. Sankey passed away on December 15, 2018, at her home in Bothell, WA, of
natural causes. Ann was born in Seattle, WA, on August 3, 1930, to Thomas Randolph
Humes and Mildred Willette Strass. She attended Holy Names Academy, and
graduated from Garfield High School. She obtained her teaching degree from the
University of Washington, where she was a proud member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority.
After leaving the UW in 1951, Ann bicycled with 3 women friends down Highway 1 from
Seattle to Los Angeles, camping in the rough. They gained national notoriety, with the
news media following their trip, and were met by Kirk Douglas at the end. This
experience forged a bond between the women that has lasted to the present day, and
resulted in a self-published book, “Three Speeds and Saddle Shoes”.
Ann married Harry Sankey in 1951, and had three children. They divorced in 1975.
Harry was in the Navy, thus the family traveled quite a bit, including living for two years
in Japan. There, Ann studied Japanese culture, language and traditions, and later used
her knowledge to create study units for her elementary school classes.
Ann had a long career as an educator, teaching grade school initially. She returned to
college in 1975 to earn a Masters Degree in Science Education, through Western
Washington University in conjunction with the Pacific Science Center. She became a
Science Specialist in the Auburn School District, creating unique hands-on science kits
for classroom instruction. She also taught college level courses in Science Ed, and
eventually started a business as a consultant for school districts. She was especially
interested in aerospace education. She retired from the Everett School District in 1989,
but continued tutoring students privately for many years.
Ann’s other interests included gardening, canning, caring for her dog Zack, book club,
volunteering at the food bank, and hanging with her women friends at Cama Beach.
She created community wherever she lived, with her open friendly smile and kind
nature, and her intense interest in other people’s experiences.
Ann moved to the Chateau at Bothell Landing three years ago, and enjoyed living there
immensely. She made numerous friends, and participated in just about every club or
outing that was available.
Ann leaves behind daughters Elizabeth Kolle (Jack) and Kathleen Sankey, son Robert
Sankey, grandchildren (Lily, Reijer, Monica), brother Lee Humes (Elizabeth) and
nephew Dorian. She also leaves her friends at the Chateau, including Andy her
boyfriend.
The Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, February 17th, at 2-4PM at Ballinger Lake Park in the Lakeview Room. 2300 Lakeview Drive Mt Lake Terrace WA 98043.
For more information please contact Beth Kolle at (206)-715-2858
.Donations in Ann’s honor may be made to a local food bank or to any charitable
organization.
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