Ann was born Nov. 27, 1941, in Lewiston. She passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at her home in Lewiston with family and friends by her side. As is the case with all those who have cancer, she fought with determination that surpassed all expectations.
Ann was a lady. She was a hoot. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside, and that was hard to do. She was fun, she was everyone's friend - and oh how we loved her. But God loved her more, so he took her to be with him in heaven after she lost the brave battle with cancer.
Ann spent her early childhood with her grandparents in St. Regis, Mont. After World War II, her family moved to Weippe, where she spent a wonderful time making lifelong friends and enjoying her teenage years to the fullest. She excelled in science classes, and had a great time urging the basketball and football teams on to victory as a cheerleader. She also enjoyed being a majorette during this time and, as would be expected of her, was voted most popular student in high school. Ann never knew a person she didn't call friend and always championed those who seemed to be less fortunate than herself.
Ann always said her life really began 46 years ago when she married Dick Ruark on Dec. 4, 1968, in Lewiston. Raising two wonderful daughters, two fantastic sons, along with having my best friend as a husband, was more than any girl could ask for.
There were too many great times to reminisce, but the years in Kendrick stand out. She loved being the wife of the football coach. The team always voted her most valuable on the team because of the fact she baked dozens of cookies every Thursday night and served them, along with refreshments, right after practice. Unbeknownst to her, this was a catalyst for bringing the team together as No. 1.
Ann's greatest goal in life was her devotion to her family, but she did dabble in some exploits of her own. She worked at Orchards Pharmacy for years, then as partners in a shop called Uniforms Unlimited. Ann's next adventure was to open a woman's apparel store named Ann's Fashions. She also spent time as the association executive of the Lewis-Clark Association of Realtors, and did bookkeeping for several clients as a side job.
Ann is survived by her husband, Dick; sons Bill Brakeman and Kirk Ruark; daughters Shannon Elven and Toby Ruark; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was also survived by four sisters she was extremely close to, Linda Hanna, Diana Ball, Terry Skinner and Marla Teed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Louie Snyder.
A celebration of life will be held in Ann's honor at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Nazarene Church, 1700 Eighth St., in Lewiston.
A memorial in Ann's honor has been set up at Lewis-Clark Credit Union, 1626 17th St., Lewiston, ID 83501.
Service Information
- Date & Time
- Saturday, December 13, 11:00 AM
- Location
-
First Church of The Nazarene
1700 8th Street
Lewiston, Idaho 83501
Get Directions
Offer Condolences
Professional Service
✔ Since 1924
✔ Burial or Cremation Services
✔ Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans
✔ Web-Casting
✔ Modern Comfortable Facility
✔ Up-To-Date Audio/Video
Contact Information
1711 18th StreetLewiston, Idaho 83501
P: (208) 743-4578
F: (208) 743-9453
E-mail: malcoms@malcomsfuneralhome.com
The administrative offices are open Monday - Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday are by appointment only.
1711 18th Street