Ann Skinner

Ann Harris Skinner passed away peacefully in the company of her husband and family on Saturday, August 11, 2012. She celebrated her 89th birthday last month. Ann was born on July 15, 1923, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, to Susie and Robert Harris. Ann's greatest joy as a girl was her dancing classes with a professional teacher to which she devoted many happy hours during her school years. Ann graduated from Mary Washington College, where she was the May Day Queen in her senior year. After college, during WWII, she worked in the Signal Corps in Washington, DC. Ann met Emmett W. Skinner Jr. 74 years ago, at age 15, when both were in high school. The romance bloomed when Emmett, back in town on leave as a Marine Corps officer, set about to woo her before he had to return to the West Coast. She said yes, even though he could not say whether he would stay in the Marine Corps or leave for civilian work. They were married on March 10, 1947, at the Washington National Cathedral and had a driving honeymoon all the way to California. Ann never changed her mind about "the best decision [she] ever made" in marrying Emmett; they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary a few months ago. In August 1947, Ann and Emmett settled in Chico, where Emmett's uncle, Ernest Adams invited him to learn the rice farming business and help with the operation of the Adams Ranch. Ann set out to thrive in her new life as the best friend and wife of a hard working farmer, far from her home and old friends. She joined the Daughters of the American Revolution to maintain her heritage ties, and the local Rose Society, true to her life-long love of gardening. She also learned needlework and became a fine seamstress, sewing most of her own clothes. Ann and Emmett's first son, David, was born in 1950, with William and then Gary following, each three years apart. Ann always opened into a warm laughing smile when talking about what a delight her boys were to her. As their sons grew up and she had more time, Ann also became a member of the Cosmos Book Club and she and Emmett were regulars with the No Host Dancing Club. Ann dearly loved her family, and she stayed active and engaged in life, always. To her last days she was learning about her and her children's and grandchildren's interests through the Internet, going to the health club with Emmett three days a week, and working with him to support local charities and organizations that help people from all walks lead a better life. Ann is survived by her husband, Emmett W. Skinner Jr.; her son, David (Tina) Skinner and daughters-in-law, Margaret Skinner and Emily DuBois Skinner; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her sons, William Emmett (Bill) Skinner and Gary Robert Skinner. In keeping with her wishes, a private family service will be handled by Brusie Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations might be made to the Salvation Army, the Boys & Girls Club of Chico, Enloe Hospice, or to any favorite charity or organization.