Ann McCleary DeWitt

Ann McCleary DeWitt went to Heaven on May 3, 2009 surrounded by her loving family at her home, following a courageous battle with breast cancer. During her two-and-a-half years of cancer treatments, Ann served as an inspiration to her fellow patients and always presented herself with grace, beauty and a positive spirit. Ann was born March 9, 1967 in Missoula, Mont. to Charles and Patricia Bennett, joining her sister Mary Pat. Ann attended Pierce Elementary and Timberline High School in Pierce, Id. Ann was Student Body President, and graduated class Valedictorian in 1985. Besides excelling in academics she was an excellent athlete. Ann attended the University of Idaho where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1990. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority where she made many lifelong friends. Philanthropy was always important to Ann, even as a young adult. During her college career she chaired the annual U of I Red Cross blood drive. Throughout her life she continued to generously give to the community around her. Upon graduating she went to work for Deloitte Touche as a CPA in the Boise, ID office. Soon thereafter she and Jane Cliff built the Ethan Allen Home Interiors in Boise where Ann served as President and co-owner until her death. Ann was also an active member of the Boise community. She was a member of the Junior League for 10 years where she served as Treasurer. She also served as a member of the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce. Ann served on the Children's Home Society Board as Treasurer from 2000-2006. In 1993 Ann married Paul David DeWitt at Cathedral of the Rockies. They were blessed with two children, Paul Michael (12) and Elizabeth (Lizzy-10). Her children were her pride and joy. Ann enjoyed attending her children's various activities including ski races, soccer games, baseball games, football games and dance and piano recitals. She was a dedicated parent volunteer at Riverside Elementary as well as a volunteer soccer coach for her daughter in her younger years. Even while very ill, Ann enjoyed attending all her kid's activities, including her visits to Simplot fields. A lifelong athlete, Ann played competitive tennis and qualified with her team to play in Nationals in California in 2003. An avid runner, Ann ran Robie Creek twice and achieved her goal of running a marathon before she turned 40. In October, 2006, just six days following her diagnosis of breast cancer, Ann completed the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco, CA in under four hours surrounded by cheering friends. She also enjoyed golf, was an excellent skier and an accomplished pianist. Ann lived her life to the fullest as if she knew it would be short. Ann's passion for life was unmistakable as evidenced by her unending energy, enthusiasm and joy in all she did and all she shared with family and friends. Her beautiful spirit will be remembered and terribly missed by all those who lives were touched by her. Ann is survived by her husband Paul, her two children Paul Michael and Lizzy, her parents Charlie and Pat, her sister Mary Pat Thompson (Roger), niece Ali and nephew Derek Thompson. With Father and Mother in-law Paul and Marilyn DeWitt, sister-in-law Karen DuBois (Mark), nephews Zachary and Matthew, brother-in-law Wayne DeWitt (Brenda), niece Brittney and nephew Joshua, and numerous aunts and uncles. A celebration of Ann's life will be held at the Cathedral of the Rockies, 11th and Hays, Boise on Friday May 8, 2009 at 4 p.m. Reception to follow. Graveside burial at Dry Creek Cemetery, 9600 Hill Road, Boise on Saturday May 9, 2009, time to be announced at the memorial. Ann's greatest love was children and in lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Children's Home Society of Idaho at 740 Warm Springs Ave., Boise, ID 83712 or a donation may be made to the Ann McCleary DeWitt Memorial Scholarship Fund to benefit the University of Idaho Department of Accounting, attention Gift Administration, P.O. Box 443147, Moscow, Idaho, 83844-3147.