OBITUARY

Ann Christine McCann

August 17, 1950–

May 8, 2020

Ann Christine McCann, 69, departed this life while at home in Dayton, Wash., at 08:15 a.m., Friday, May 8, 2020.

Ann was born in Long Beach, Calif., to Floyd and Wilma (Gillette) Mendenhall on August 17, 1950.

She was a long-time resident of southern California. She graduated from Barstow High School and completed her bachelor's degree from California State University, Fullerton. The majority of Ann's working life was spent as a legal secretary in California.

Ann and Jeff were married on July 20, 1994, after which they moved to Yuma, Arizona where Jeff was a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and Ann was the Academics Program Director for Southern Illinois University, Yuma Arizona Campus.

When Jeff retired from the Marine Corps in 2003, Ann and Jeff moved to Dayton to fulfill their dream of owning and operating a bed and breakfast. They were enchanted by Dayton's charm, natural beauty and history. Ann immediately became active in the Dayton community, working for the Chamber of Commerce and volunteering for several organizations including the Dayton Historic Depot and the Touchet Valley Arts Council. She was an avid supporter of the Dayton School District and advocate of higher education and the arts.

She enjoyed spending her time with family and especially her grandchildren who moved to Dayton in 2017. Ann had a passion for helping people advocate for themselves and pursue their dreams. She had a kind, graceful and compassionate nature that left an impression on everyone who knew her. Her family will remember her gentle strength, dignity and loving soul.

Ann is survived by her husband Jeffrey McCann, daughter Sarah Ortuno, and her grandchildren: Madison, Grace and Luke. She is also survived by her two sisters, Katherine Mendenhall of Dayton; two brothers, Tom Mendenhall of Mesquite, Ariz., and Daniel Mendenhall of California.

A celebration of life memorial service commemorating the beautiful life of Ann will be held once the restrictions due to COVID-19 are lifted. For those desiring, in lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Ann's name be directed towards the ASPCA, PBS or St. Jude Children's Hospital.