Ann Elaine Crosby

Ann Elaine Sonerholm Crosby, Stanhope, passed away on Thursday, August 7th, 2025, at Israel House in Ames, after a short illness. Ann was born August 18, 1945, in Webster City to Melvin and Ione (Enderson) Sonerholm. She grew up attending Stanhope school prior to consolidation and then South Hamilton, graduating in 1963 She attended Wartburg College for her 1st year, then transferred to Iowa State University, majoring in English and graduating in 1967.

After meeting in 4H and dating for 5 years, Ann and Lon Owen Crosby were married on August 5, 1967, and moved to Purdue University so Lon could pursue a Ph.D, while she worked as a librarian. From there they moved to Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, Syntex in Palo Alto, Ca, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, and University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, before their final move back to Iowa during the floods of 1993. They both enjoyed living on their history-laden farm in Tunnel Mill, only four miles from where Ann started out.

Ann is survived by her husband of 58 years, Lon; children, Brian (Katie)Crosby, and Teresa (Michael) Shey; grandchildren, Alexis, Colin, Benjamin Crosby and Ethan and Fiona Shey. She is also survived by three sisters, Lynne (Jim) Lorence, Kay (Joe) Moorman, and Penny (Scott) Wedemeier, and several nieces and nephews, and, of course, her furry sidekick, Wags, their lab.

Ann loved to read, making and watching things grow, whether it was kids, plants, or quilts. Many family and friends are enjoying her beautiful creations. She loved her many friends and the solitude and natural beauty of Tunnel Mill, stained glass and collecting Alladin lamps. She is dearly missed.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials should be sent to your favorite charity.