Ann Reddish

Wasilla resident Ann Mildred Reddish, 77, died Jan. 22, 2006, at home.

No public services are planned at this time.

Mrs. Reddish was born Jan. 6, 1929, in Duplin County, N.C., to Pearl Wiggins and Walter McCullen. She was the oldest child in a family of 12. Her siblings were Lawrence, Grace, and Jean McCullen, Carleen Outlaw, Junior, Poly, Virgil, Ronnie, LaVelle, Chestley and Yvonne Taylor.

Her family wrote, &#8220Ann was called ‘Mildred' as a child, but soon became ‘Billy' as her young brother could not pronounce ‘Milly.' Later, many called her ‘Bill' or ‘Ole Bill.' She loved gardening and loved her greenhouse here in Alaska, so she could grow her tomatoes, peppers and squash. Her grandchildren loved to sneak over and eat the sweet green peas in her flower boxes.

&#8220She loved to sing and often would break out in a round of ‘Won't You Come Home, Bill Bailey' or ‘Call Me Lord and Lady Stardust.' She was an avid reader of adventure, science fiction, mystery and mythology, and was always curious about almost everything, especially if it was unusual.

Ann's favorite TV shows were Star Trek, The Beverly Hillbillies and Perry Mason. More recently, she became a ‘Star Gate' fan.

&#8220She loved to travel and told everyone she was a gypsy at heart. She lived from Jacksonville, Fla., to West Chester, Pa., then moved to Washington state in the 1960s. From there, she went to Salem, Ore.

&#8220In 1987, she finally achieved her lifelong dream of living in Alaska. She had a little cabin out Knik way for years and was in Hog Heaven (or maybe that's Moose Heaven).

&#8220She loved the rugged beauty and winter wonderland found here. Ann never knew a stranger and could strike up a conversation wherever she went. Many will miss her sense of adventure and love of life.”

Her children are Marie and Tony Davis, Sharon and Dino Holmes, Donna, Tina and Shawn Reddish.

All except Marie and Sharon have lived in the Wasilla/Anchorage area for many years.

She also has numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Valley Funeral Home & Crematory.