Ann Rule

1931 - 2015

Ann Rule

1931 - 2015

BORN

1931

DIED

2015

Ann Rule Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 27, 2015.
SEATTLE (AP) — True-crime writer Ann Rule, who wrote more than 30 books, including a profile of her former co-worker, serial killer Ted Bundy, has died at age 83.

Rule died at Highline Medical Center at 10:30 p.m. Sunday, said Scott Thompson, a spokesman for CHI Franciscan Health. Rule's daughter, Leslie Rule, said on Facebook that her mother had many health issues, including congestive heart failure.

"My mom died peacefully last night," Leslie Rule wrote. "She got to see all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren."

Ann Rule's first book, "The Stranger Beside Me," profiled Bundy, whom she got to know while sharing the late shift at a Seattle suicide hotline. She has said she had a contract to write about an unknown serial killer before her co-worker was charged with the crimes.

Rule, who went to work briefly at the Seattle Police Department when she was 21, began writing for magazines like "True Detective" in 1969. A biography on her author website says she has published more than 1,400 articles, mostly on criminal cases.

Rule said she was fascinated by killers' lives, going back to their childhood to find clues about why they did what they did. But her books focused on victims, and she became an advocate for victims' rights.

"By deciding to focus her books on the victim, Ann Rule reinvented the true crime genre and earned the trust of millions of readers who wanted a new and empathetic perspective on the tragic stories at the heart of her works," Carolyn Reidy, president and chief executive officer of Simon & Schuster, said in a statement.

After attending numerous workshops on crime topics from DNA to arson, local law enforcement, the FBI and the Justice Department started turning to Rule for her expertise on serial murders.

She aided the Green River Task Force as that group sought another Seattle-area serial killer, passing along tips that her readers shared. She wrote a book about the case, "Green River, Running Red."

Rule was born in 1931 in Lowell, Michigan, to a schoolteacher and a football, basketball and track coach. They moved around a lot when she was a kid, traveling from Michigan, to Pennsylvania, Oregon and California because of her father's coaching career.

She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in creative writing, with minors in psychology, criminology and penology.

She was the mother of five children and the grandmother of five.

___

DONNA GORDON BLANKINSHIP, Associated Press


Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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May 22, 2025

Jacqueline posted to the memorial.

August 16, 2024

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April 17, 2024

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280 Entries

Jacqueline

May 22, 2025

I just went to see where she was buried at and it´s not far from where the baby´s are at city view. Loved her books , I am looking to reading more of them soon....

Diane Herigon

August 16, 2024

I miss her books. I have read each one and still have them. Since she died I have not read another true crime book. Anne was an amazing writer.

Rebecca Moucha

April 17, 2024

You're still missed every single day. I still go to bookstores looking for any new Ann Rule books. Then I say ' oh yeah , that's right' with a heavy sigh.

vic/terry tillinghast

April 15, 2024

ann: r I p I read your books(very interesting).

Lisa Cross

April 1, 2024

Sadly, I don't even recall hearing she had passed. I had read a number of her books. I was hooked by her writing, could relate to her detective skills. I even drove by a couple of places where murders had taken place, but creeped self out and didn't stay long. I thank you Ann, for entertaining me for hours on end when I had nothing else after work to entertain myself with. It was a great escape. Often made me forget my own problems, stress, to unwind and curl up with my dog/cat and read those murder cases. Even if some nights, I was spooked, unable to sleep after reading them. Never stopped me from returning to read on. Much appreciation Ann, for all your work. Interesting life you lead. May you rest in peace.

Jack Rose

March 28, 2024

I've read all of her books and enjoyed them so much. I'm going to miss her. I hope Leslie does as well.

Linda

August 23, 2023

Oh my gosh, she was the best. I tried to read all of her books.She was brilliant. I need to go over a list I just saw and see how many I missed. Leslie can carry on her mothers legacy, but there will never be another Ann

Deborah Mooney

June 8, 2023

So very sorry to hear of Ann,s passing I was a super fan. Loved how she did a case study of both victim and criminal. Will miss her forever there will never be another crime writer who could come close. My deepest condolences to all her family including her readers we will cherish all the wonderful stories. God Bless and rest in peace.

linda puglia strob

May 4, 2023

I am a little late in finding out about Ann's passing have read every book she ever wrote. She leaves a tremendous void in the world of True Crime no one wrote like she did.
R.I.P. belated prayers to her family.
Linda Puglia Strob

Rebecca Moucha

June 17, 2022

I miss the way she would make a story actually come alive. It was as if you were there. The small details others would take for granted. Rest in Peace Ann you deserve it.

Sheila Pipkin

February 4, 2022

I read all her books for years and years. LOVED her! I'm the last one to learn she's no longer with us... but her legacy will live on forever!! She was incredible!

Jodie Mosley

November 22, 2021

May all of the good great works deeds things u have done spkrfru

Jodie Mosley

November 22, 2021

Rip

Emma

October 9, 2021

Still touching lives today. Thank you for giving victims a voice. May you now RIP.

JOAN STONE

May 7, 2021

She was an amazing writer. Her book brought great joy to me and I have read them all. What a loss for her family, I wish them all well and I hope the loss eases off as they see how fortunate they were to have such a good mother. She not only served public with her writings but she looked after her family very well A life truly well lived.

Pam Wall

February 4, 2021

My dear Ann you we’re the best. I’m now reading all your books for the second time and your daughter Leslie’s books. There was never a better writer

nancy Viviano

January 17, 2021

avid reader of all her books. I had the same saying why serial killers did what they did. sorry she passed.

Cindy Gardner

December 2, 2020

You inspired me to get my Criminal Justice degree and pursue a Master's in English. I always tell everyone I want to write crime novels like Ann Rule!

Heather Olson

November 2, 2020

Your books were true art. Thank-you for teaching us about the subtleties of the criminal mind.
Rest in peace, dear one.

Anthony Darmanin

June 4, 2020

May you Rest in Peace dear Ann, you were definitely my most favorite author. Whenever I flew anywhere I would always search the airport bookstores for your latest book. My condolences to your dear family. Thank you for giving the victims of crime a voice and dignity.

Dottie Johnson

December 2, 2019

My favorite writer of all time I love her. Blessings to everyone in her family. My heart aches for you all and myself. She brought much enjoyment into my life. I will never forget her beautiful Spirit. Much love.

LaDonna Robertson

March 24, 2019

I was an avid fan of all of Ann Rule's wonderfully written books. I had an unforgettable opportunity of meeting her at the Green River Community College and spoke personally with her afterwards. What an amazing speaker and Ann was one who had a great sense of humor about life. She left an impression on me that will never go away...one beautiful and giving person. Ann Rule and her updates on her crime stories meant the world to me. We've lost someone who is in my heart forever. Rest in Paradise, Ann.

Ann Samuel

February 15, 2019

One of the best writers, once I started reading her book, I couldn't put it down. She told the stories so well, it's like she was in their minds. She was absolutely my favorite writer.

Theresa Davis

January 9, 2019

Omg I'm so sorry for your loss my condolences.I just found out this morning about the passing of your sweet mother, and as you can tell I haven't bought a book in a few years but back in the 70's I use to take my mom's true crimes and true detective's out of her garbage cans next to her bed and let me tell you I loved reading them so much that I stashed them for years in my closet. And then years later when my sister turn me on to this awesome author Ann Rule I was like ok why not. Lol we read every book lol we loved her but so sorry lost touch. Thanks for letting me share.

B Cox

November 23, 2018

Condolences to loved ones. May you be comforted and take courage in knowing that this life is not all there is. John 6:40

Harry Simpson

July 26, 2018

Godspeed Ann, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Kathy evenhus

July 15, 2018

Miss You Ann

June 24, 2018

you will be missed. Best writer in the world.

d s

March 15, 2018

I loved, loved every thing Ms Rule wrote. Would begin a book and could not put it down.She was my favorite author of all time! My deepest sympathy to her family. Thank you for sharing this remarkable lady

Miss Nya

March 31, 2017

Dear Ann Rule and family,

I just want to thank you for the immense contribution to ALL society in general.
I am a poor, young Blackwoman from Canada. I carry no shame in that. I was simply a young girl who went to the library and was SO proud a WOMAN told it like it was and had such courage to write such a book in those times. I was only 12. You were beautiful in my life and still are. I am just currently reading all the books I have collected from you and proud to do so.Thank you.

Judy S Thomas

January 11, 2017

Sun July 26 2015, 83. RIP, Ann.

Denise Robertson

July 16, 2016

I miss awaiting your newest book, love them all, thank you for years of great writing.

Rich Butler

June 29, 2016

Where is Ann Buried? I would like to pay my respects when we go to Washington State this summer.

Jana Embree

March 27, 2016

Just looking on line to see if a new book from my favorite author was in the works...I can't believe I did not know of Ann's passing. I am at a loss...Thanks Ann for your works. Not sure what I'll read now. Jana Embree Muncie In 3/27/16

Kris Arbiso

March 21, 2016

I just found out that we lost Ann Rule! What a loss! I had contacted Ann in 2014 about a case I thought she might be interested in, and since the verdict and sentencing was just handed down, I decided to see if Ann was aware of it only to see that she passed away in July 2015. To say I was shocked and saddened is putting it mildly. She was one of a kind and will be sorely missed by many of us fans! Belated condolences to the family.

Cindy Metcalf

March 15, 2016

I have every book she ever wrote and have read some of them twice. Always held my attention. Great works and great human being. I miss looking forward to her next book..

Cindy Metcalf

March 15, 2016

I have every book she ever wrote and have read some of them twice. Always held my attention. Great works and great human being.

March 15, 2016

I have every book she ever wrote and have read some of them twice. Always held my attention. Great works and great human being.

Diane L. Baker

March 13, 2016

So Sad! The BEST True Crime Writer Ever! I have read other true crime writer's books there is Absolutely No One that compares to Ann Rule. My Condolences to the Family.

Pamela Bartlett

February 9, 2016

I love Ann Rule I have read her books for almost 35 years, she was my favorite arthor RIP❤

Sharon Care

January 19, 2016

Simply the best! Very sad to hear of her passing.

Jim Smith

January 5, 2016

The good die young!

Leona Markowsky

January 2, 2016

So sad to hear of the passing of the best true crime writer in the world, she will be missed.

LORRAINE WOOD

January 2, 2016

THE BEST CRIME WRITER IN THE WORLD--WILL MISSED HER MUCH

Darlene Wilson

November 21, 2015

I was so sorry to hear of Ann's passing. She is my all-time favorite author, and I was lucky enough to meet her twice, at book signings in Oregon. She will be missed!

Claudia McCormick White

November 2, 2015

Saddened by her passing, memories of Ann's kindness, caring and gentle heart live on. Integral to the writing community, I vividly remember the many times she spoke (Seattle Writers Association, Pacific Northwest Writers Conference) and our private chat to chats. She is a remarkable person and I for one am made stronger and grateful for her being here. She will be missed.

Pauline ONeill

October 31, 2015

I'm saddened to know that Ann Rule has passed away, she was my all time favorite true crime writter & I have many of her books, I'll be looking for the ones that I don't have, I want her true crime magazines as well as those that her daughter Leslie wrote.

Rest In Peace Ann...
I will truely miss you...
Pauline ONeill
454 1/2 12th St.
Red Wing, Mn. 55066

Deb Corbett

October 26, 2015

We never had the chance to meet in person, but I feel like I've gotten to know you through all your brilliant work. I think I speak for all your fans when I say that we will all miss you forever and always. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers. RIP my friend.

October 24, 2015

Loved her books. Been reading them for a long time. She will be missed.

Jo Ann Chichetti

October 21, 2015

My family and I are very saddened to learn of Ms. Rule's passing; we shared her books among us. I have read every single one, either in paperback or more recently on my Kindle ap. I love her vocabulary; my husband and I now use "her words" hinky and hirsute, which she used regularly in her writing. I treasure the autographed mousepad she sent me and the envelope it came in with the animal sketchings. I love you, Ann. Rest in peace. Best wishes to the family. She was a treasure of a woman.

Jan Chiddister

October 9, 2015

I have been a fan of Ann Rule's books for over 30 years and had a nice collection. She was truly a great writer and even though you knew what the ending would be, always kept you in suspense until that last moment. She will be missed a great deal by her loyal fans who respected her gift of writing with us all. May she rest in peace and may we all get to see her when our time on earth is done.

sharon haugen

September 30, 2015

Today I found out that Ann had passed away and I am very sad for the family. I was a true fan of her novels and had read every one of her novels. It is a sad day to know that this lovely lady is gone

Caren Holmstrom

September 18, 2015

Your words kept me up many a night. You're goals and values kept you real and humble. I wonder what you might be typing about while meeting all those people who's story you told so clearly.
Such a sad sad loss for all
Caren
Alberta, Canada

Pamela Bastian

September 16, 2015

I wanted to offer my sympathies to the family of Ann Rule. I was grateful to speak to her on the phone, send her a book on serial killers in Alaska and make her a name doily.
She will always be my favorite true crime writer and Your loss will be in my heart!

Jane Riojas

August 31, 2015

I have all her books..I was heart broken when I learned of Ann Rule's death..To me her passing should of been on the front page of every newspaper..I would of loved to have met Ann..In time,I will..Condolences to the family..Your mother was truly a fine writer that will be terrible missed..
-Jane Riojas (Roundup,Montana)

Leisha Tompkins

August 28, 2015

To the author who made me a better therapist and individual for having known her life's work. Cheers. See you on the other side, Ann. My love to the family. Thank you for sharing her with us, the readers.

FitzPatrick Shawn

August 25, 2015

Thank you for being the person that you were. You taught me alot of things through your writing. I'm sad I never got to meet you. But I know I will in another time and place. Rest In Peace Ann.

Kathy Bowen

August 25, 2015

My all-time favorite author. No matter how popular she got or how many books she sold she remained just a regular person. I once sent her an e-mail and was thrilled to receive a personal response. She will be forever missed.

Mary Dempsey

August 25, 2015

Truly unique writer,, thanks for all the best reads, Ann

August 25, 2015

My favourite writer in the whole world. You will be sadly missed. My heart goes out to your family. You were such a great person and an inspiration for others. Reread all of your books. RIP

Norma Quinones

August 25, 2015

You are my favorite author. Have read all your books. Your love of family and your drive for justice is amazing. Your struggles as a single parent. You persisted. You are an inspiration to me and others. May you rest in peace.

Linda Washington

August 24, 2015

I'm sad you are not writing a new book like your autobiography I'm going to miss you so very much but take peace that you are in gods loving arms. I pray for all your friends and family as I can only imagine their pain may God give them peace. Rip my friend

August 24, 2015

Deepest sympathy to the family of Ann Rule. Ann was the best true crime author and will deeply miss her captivating books! Dawn Short

Lisa Thompson

August 24, 2015

R.I.P. Prayers for her family. She will forever be missed.

Robin Cook

August 24, 2015

I'm going to miss the books. Ann Rule is a big part of my life.

August 24, 2015

Really going to miss you Ann

Mother and daughter

Annette Van Hooren

August 24, 2015

So sorry for the loss to the family of Ann Rule She was truly the best crime writer there ever was and will be missed by all her fans.

Jodi

August 24, 2015

My favorite author..have every one of your books...thanks for sharing stories of victims and their families who you cared for so much..you were a brilliant writer and an inspiring woman!

Loie Legendre

August 24, 2015

May God wrap His arms around your family, friends & fans Ann.
Your kind and caring personality will be greatly missed .

Terri Blane

August 24, 2015

My deepest sympathies to the family. Your mother was an amazing women and writer. She is the one that got me back into reading and I thank her immensely. I think there are only 2 books of hers I have read. She will be sadly missed. RIP dear Ann

Sheri

August 24, 2015

Ann will live on forever in my heart...I will dearly miss you...your memory will always be with me as I continue to read your books over and over♡♡

Teresa Jackson

August 24, 2015

I have read Ann's work for many years. She was an inspiration to me and will be truly missed. Sending up prayers for Leslie and all of Ann's family. May God surround you with strength, comfort, peace, and love.

Susan Fox

August 24, 2015

Will miss ann and miss reading her books....she was one in a million...bless her family x

Denise Pavlock

August 24, 2015

My love of reading came from all of Ann's books I thank her for that,don't what I'll read now I guess all her books all over again because nobody could tell a story better ❤

Amanda Classon

August 24, 2015

You will live on forever in our hearts and on our Bookshelves . Rest in Paradise

Patricia Tyler

August 24, 2015

So sorry for your loss, Ann was a wonderful lady that will be missed world wide. She touched many people's lives and helped many leave situations that might not have if they had not read her books.

Beth Avila

August 24, 2015

Leslie & family, please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. Your mom was so special, and the book she signed for me will remain one of my most treasured possessions. I can't tell you how many hours I spent reading her latest - and looking forward to the next one. She had such a gift with words and telling people's stories. Will miss her dearly. Sending a big hug to you.

Van Pittsenbargar

August 20, 2015

Sincere heartfelt condolences to the Rule family. Ann Rule was an amazing and prolific writer whose work I've read and cherished for years. I contacted Ann once after visiting London to say I'd seen her books in a bookstore on Charing Cross Road with larger type and different format and she was pleased to hear it. There are losses which will truly take time to overcome. You will be missed by all your avid fans, Ann. Godspeed.

August 19, 2015

I have read her books,saw her at the grocery store and gone to her lectures. A truly nice and friendly person. My heart and prayers go out to the family.

Catherine DePIno

August 18, 2015

I am so sad to hear this. I love her books and admired her greatly. What a genius she was. She was one of the few writers who could delve into the human psyche and make the characters live and breathe. She was a true expert in human behavior.

Catherine DePino

Donna Wininger

August 16, 2015

I treasure each book I have that you wrote. They will be read, and re-read. You were a truly gifted author who wrote in a way that the average person could enjoy and understand. You were the first author that I started collecting and reading books by (in the 80's). God bless you Ann as you are getting your reward in Heaven. Prayers go out to your family.

August 16, 2015

I've read every book she has written and can only hope there are a few more in the archives that will be coming out in the future. I'll miss her very much
Lou Burell

martha starner

August 11, 2015

I love Ann rule and every book she wrote. .i know I will miss her.

Linda Beuerle

August 8, 2015

Ann was, and always will be, my favorite author. I will miss her tremendously.

Sandra Taylor

August 7, 2015

I have been a friend and neighbor of your mom and dad for over 40 years. I loved them both and have many fond memories. I lived on the hill by them. Such a tragic end for such a wonderful woman. Both your mom and dad were important in my and my family's lives. I am so very sorry for your loss.

August 7, 2015

me and my husband has your whole collection of your books and you and donna rice signed books at barnes and nobles in silverdale washington for me. i am so very glad i got to meet you that day and will never forget it always. i will miss your books now i always look for them in stores when i go. rest in peace you so desearve it great lady.

velma smith

August 7, 2015

i met you at the barnes and nobles when you did a book signing there i was happy i got to meet you in person im sad your now passed. i will forever treasure the 2 books you signed for me forever. i will keep you and your family in my prayers always this world has lost a great person and writer. you will be so missed by my family always.

Sheri Duncan

August 6, 2015

Blessings to Ann's Family. She brought so much joy to everyone. She will be missed.

Tiffany

August 5, 2015

I seriously loved reading the exciting true murder novels that were written. My heart, thoughts, and prayers go out to her children and grandchildren. Ann, you were the only writer that I have truly enjoyed reading. I will miss looking for any new books coming out by you. R.I.P and fly with the angels now.

Ginny Alexandre

August 4, 2015

I've been an avid reader for decades marveling at the how compassionately each subject was covered. The Rule family will remain in my prayers.

Barbara K. Thompson

August 4, 2015

A new Ann Rule book was always at the top of my Christmas wish list and I always looked forward to reading the newest release. She was so unique and talented, I was so impressed by her genuine compassion she showed for the victims and survivors in her novels.My deepest condolences to family and those close to her.She will be missed

annie

August 4, 2015

My first and favorite true-crime author.Thank you for the knowledge you passed along to your readers.RIP.
Annie

August 4, 2015

My most favorite author of all time: I never missed a book of Ann's and read many of them more than once, her writing being so captivating, her subjects so interesting. I will miss coming to her website to see what's coming up next. Heaven is a richer place now!

Sandy

August 4, 2015

Ann you were one of a kind. I will miss waiting for your next book to be written, but I know you are very busy in heaven, God bless You and your Family You were my favorite author, and I'm so glad I have all your books!

Kelly Troiano

August 4, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kathi Noonan

August 4, 2015

I am reading one of Ann's books right now. She was one of my favorite true crime writers. Thanks so much for entertaining so many people. RIP, Ann.

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May 22, 2025

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