Ann Boston Wilkins

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Last words have been written on the blackboard of Ann Boston Wilkins’s life.  Returning to her heavenly home, loved, and forever blessed.  Ann was surrounded by her vigilant and caring daughters, revered admired family members, and unwavering friends.   She succumbed to lung cancer on December 7, 2023.

Ann, daughter of Dr. Alva A and Twila Boston, was born June 27, 1944. She spent her early childhood in Twin Falls, Idaho, and Salem, Oregon. Ann’s education began at St. Edwards and Englewood Elementary School. Believing in the immense need of an education, she graduated from Juab High School and Seminary in 1962.  At 16, Ann enrolled at Utah State University, completing her Bachelor of Arts in American Studies, 1965 and her master’s degree in English in 1970. 

Long-lasting memories of times spent together enriched life for Ann and her loved ones.   They shared an assortment of adventures, often learning monumental lessons. Precious children arrived; treasured grandchildren were added. Overtime fun-loving great grandchildren were born.  The vivid memories were like sand, wonderfully warm and ever changing.

Ann’s life was filled with far reaching interests: reading, Boy Scouts, the U.S.A. and history, scrapbooking, crafts, and, of course, the Utah Jazz.  Overshadowing all other holidays Ann’s love of Christmas was profound.  She felt tremendous joy from the season’s purity and all-encompassing love.  There was no place like home for the holidays. Memoirs were painted as hand-created gifts were carefully constructed, quilts, doll houses, cradles, and stepstools.  Children, and adults alike, deliberated to imagine the perfect gift, always remembering the Angel Tree and Sub for Santa. Ann marveled at the earth’s magnificence, especially when sparkling snowflakes floated down. Its grandeur was captured in Kinkade-like Christmas scenes, as numerous as twinkling tree lights.

As a dedicated teacher for 37 years, Ann was like a candle, consuming herself as she brightened the way for others.  During her teaching career she taught at Utah State University, Dixie College, UNLV, South Cache, and Spring Creek Middle School. She was teacher of the year, 1993-94.  Ann fondly brought to mind recollections as she walked her educational pathway with devote faith, family, and freedom.  In unison with her life-long partners and hard-working colleagues, Ann guided children to do their best.  Over the years, history took place before their eyes—Space shuttles, fall of the Berlin Wall, 9-11, the winter SLC 2002 Olympics, the Iraq War, and technical advances from typewriters to computers.

Ann taught English, US history, Utah Studies, reading and social studies.  She rejoiced when her inquisitive students understood intriguing concepts.  Ann was most proud of them.  They participated in Veterans Day Programs, individual reading challenges, writing workshops, explored the wonders of the world and launched their love of learning. 

Ann received ever-lasting happiness from serving.  She held positions in the church nursery, Relief Society, plus sharing good teaching practices. Over 50 years and with the help of eager devoted family and friends, acts of kindness were secretly completed.  It was their desire to bring unexpected smiles to others.

Dealing with the complications of her illness, Ann was cared for by kind and tender-hearted daughters. With faith and patience, they were joined by supportive family: Cordell (son-in-law), her compassionate grandchildren, and her concerned niece, nephew, and their families.

David and Dan proceeded their mom joining their wise grandparents, and Aunt’s Roberta and Betty, cousins Derek and Ronald.  Ann is survived by her devoted daughters and her endearing brother, 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren:

Ciara Wilkins

Cordell and Michelle Tobin and family

Danielle and Steven Moroz and family

Damen, Dylan, Jordan, Devin, and Lexi Wilkins

Jamaine and Mersadi Olson and family

Dr. Dan and Traci Boston and family

Rachel and Amy Hoggan & family

Richard and Melody Ivory & family

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, December 18, 2023, from 9:00-11:00 A.M. at the Fruitland Acres Ward, 465 North 300 East, Providence, Utah. There will be light refreshments from 9:00-10:00 A.M with the service beginning at 10:00 A.M. in the chapel.

Funeral services will be broadcast live at www.allenmortuaries.com via Zoom.  Interment will follow the service at 3 P.M. at Sunset Memorial Cemetery, 2296 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho.

While handling the cancer diagnosis, blessings came to Ann and her family from everywhere.  Sincere gratitude is expressed to all who prayed, shared genuine love and encouragement, provided medical advice and services, prepared delicious and abundant meals.  Ann’s world was indeed enriched through benevolence.  Continue to love one another as she loved you. 

In lieu of flowers, Ann’s family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in her name.  Funeral arrangements by Allen-Hall Mortuary