Ann Updike

Ann Updike passed away on February 22, 2014 in her home in El Paso, Texas. Born on March 12, 1925 to the late Howard and Else Greene of Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, she married William (Bill) Updike on October 25, 1947. Bill predeceased her by four years. Ann met Bill, after he came home from WWII at Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota. Bill recalled falling for the “girl in the purple sweater” in a poem written for their 50th wedding anniversary. Their first jobs were in Schenectady, NY, with GE. Ann worked under top security clearance studying the effects of nuclear radiation on animal tissue, Ann and Bill Updike lived in El Paso for over 60 years, moving to El Paso to help alleviate early rheumatoid arthritis. Ann’s entire life exemplified a can-do attitude. She had many careers...researcher, mother, home entrepreneur, volunteer, hostess, board member, teacher, reading specialist, tutor, and friend – and Ripper. She did not let arthritis or Type 1 diabetes keep her from enthusiastically supporting her children, students, husband and community. As a dedicated El Paso booster, Ann volunteered and served on the boards of Planned Parenthood, the El Paso Diabetes Association, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and School, among others. She also volunteered through the Junior League, the YWCA, the Girl Scouts, in addition to supporting Bill’s banking career as a hostess and Sun Carnival promoter. A lifelong dedication to education took Ann back to school in her 50’s to receive her Master’s Degree in Education at UTEP. She became a reading specialist, teaching at Western Hills and St. Clement’s and tutoring privately. Having started her own educational journey in a one-room school house, she could teach in any settings - - just ask the grandchildren. Growing up she created her own entertainment on a Wisconsin dairy farm with imaginary adventures and brought these memories to her children and grandchildren with Star Babies and creative adventures courtesy of Kipling, et al. The defining attribute the family cherishes is Ann and Bill’s marriage…the ‘gold standard.’ Each had their own space, but always supporting each other through thick and thin. “Family” included extended members at St. Luke’s, neighbors on Indian Bluff, and Yolie Gonzalez. Yolie and her family have been the backbone of care for Ann. The family is forever grateful. Ann is the final survivor of her childhood family including siblings, Dorthea (Beps), Cope and Clarke. She is survived by all of her descendants: Katie Updike (Robert Wagner), and daughter, Anna Marie (Rob Sinnott); Peter Updike (Stephanie Lovett) and children, Garrett Updike (Christina Crossly) and Lily, Boston, and Crew; Emily Updike (Tom Robins) and Tyler, Michael, and Spencer; Brian Updike (April Conkey) and Isaac, Grant and Dallin; Connie Updike (Sam McGinty); Meg Updike (Greg Muhlinghause) and Janie and Matt. Please join us at White Acres, 7304 Good Samaritan Court (Belvidere and Orizaba) to celebrate a life well lived at 4 pm, March 8, 2014. Rev. Bill Francis will lead a memorial service followed by a reception and birthday cake. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice. Online register book: www.sunsetfuneralhomes.net.