Ann M. Sickels, 57

Ann M. Sickels, 57, ended her courageous 10-year battle with cancer on Sunday, October 11, 2015, in her home, surrounded by her family and the love and support of her friends and community. She now lives peacefully, victoriously and cancer-free in Heaven.

Born and raised in Gallipolis, OH, Ann was the daughter of Neil McMahon and Ruth Ann Roth. She attended The Ohio State University for her Bachelor’s degree and then obtained her Master’s Degree from Ohio University. She imparted her love of learning to children for 35 years, before her retirement from Washington Elementary this year. Ann’s passion and excitement for teaching was felt by generations of students, parents and colleagues. Ann also led the Washington Walkers Relay for Life Team for several years, which promoted awareness of cancer, its prevention and research to those around her.

Ann was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church and her love of teaching extended into her weekly Sunday School classroom. Ann demonstrated her faithfulness in all she did. Her understanding of “the best is yet to come” was evident to all in her presence.

Ann loved spending time with the people in her life. She could always be found visiting, chatting or caring for family and friends. Ann was an avid reader, learner and teacher. She loved traveling to NYC to visit her daughter and walking her beloved dogs around town. Time spent in the sunshine at the beach was Ann’s favorite way to relax and recharge.

She is survived by the love of her life, her daughter, Leslie Sickels, son-in-law Ray Carannante, her parents Neil (Shirley) McMahon and Ruth Ann (Gordon) Roth, her sister Pam (David) Price, her aunt Dottie (Jim) Chestnut, cousin Chris Chestnut, mother-in-law Patricia James, siblings-in-law, Kathy (Tom) Helm, Danny (Jodi) Sickels and Lisa (Don) Hofstra, nieces and nephews Jenni (Tommy), Tomi (Erik), Brad (Danielle), Eric, Kelsey, Kaitlyn, Cassidy, Adam, Kennedy, her 6 great nieces and nephews as well as her dogs Rylee and Ginjer.

Ann was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart, Michael Sickels, grandparents, Everett and Bernice McMahon and her poodle, Mikki.

A celebration of Ann’s life will take place at Grace United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 17th at 4pm, with a dinner to follow at the church. Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 16th from 4pm-8pm at the church. Ann’s services are under the direction of the Willis Funeral Home.

People only needed to meet Ann once to feel the warmth and positivity of her spirit. Ann tirelessly gave herself to the service of others and demonstrated how to live a Godly, passionate and loving life. Ann’s legacy to her family, friends and her community will not be forgotten. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to continue her advocacy and awareness of cancer and research through Relay for Life. Alternatively, donations in Ann’s honor can be made to Grace United Methodist Church to fund Sunday School learning.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.