OBITUARY Ann Humes Sankey August 3, 1930 – December 15, 2018 Ann Marie Humes Sankey 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. A celebration of life will be held in January 2019, at a date to be specified later.
Donations in Ann’s honor may be made to a local food bank or to any charitable organization.
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