Ann Baerny, age 98, passed away October 2 at Wesley Homes, Auburn. She was born November 24, 1926 to Martin Kaelin and Lena Suter Kaelin, Swiss immigrants, in Orting, WA. She was one of three children along with older sister Lena Wilson and younger brother Edgar Kaelin. Her family operated dairy farms in the Orting and Sumner valleys. Sadly at age 12, her father passed away. Her mother remarried another Swiss immigrant, Frank Gwerder, and they then moved to another dairy farm in the Puyallup valley. Ann always admired and was grateful for her stepfather. This marriage also brought her another sister Mary Lorang.

In 1948 Ann married a recently returned WWII veteran, Lee Baerny, also born of Swiss immigrant parents and moved to Auburn, WA. Together they had five children, Linda Sauceda (Reggie), Mick Baerny (Connie), Pat Roberts (Jim), Gordon (Janelle), and Janice Breyer (Bill). Typical for her era, Ann was a stay-at-home mother for her children, especially with Lee usually working long hours.

In 1971 Lee’s employment with Mobil Oil moved them to California, first to Eureka then for 10 years to Fullerton, CA. At Lee’s retirement, they moved back to Washington, settling in Maple Valley, WA. This allowed them to be close to family and friends including many from their Swiss community. They spent most of their retirement years there enjoying their home on acreage, RV’ing, and the company of their family and friends.

Eventually downsizing they moved to Wesley Homes. In 2020, Lee passed away. Always important to Ann was family. Even in failing health, she continued to keep track of all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ann is predeceased by her husband Lee, son Gordon, daughter Pat, and grandchildren Jared and Zach. Ann is survived by sister Mary Lorang, children Linda, Mick, and Janice, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held October 13 at 11:00 am at St John the Baptist, Covington, WA with a reception to follow in the parish hall. Internment will be October 14 at 1:00 pm at Sumner Cemetery.