Ann Marie Rye

She was born on January 4, 1968, in Keene, NH, daughter of the late Raymond Alan Lovely and Margaret Leslie. Ann also had a surrogate mother who arrived when she needed her most during Ann’s high school years, Nancy Wilbur and her spouse Roger Wilbur. She received her Associate’s Degree from NWTC and served honorably in the United States Air Force as a Military Working Dog Handler.

For many years, Ann worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs. During her time there, she had many roles but perhaps her favorite was working with the volunteers. She truly cared for each one. Throughout Ann’s career at the VA, she always kept the interests of the Veterans she worked with as her primary focus. She emphasized with them so much. Ann was a staple at the VA. Her coworkers loved her and would often seek her out. She listened, provided advice, and most importantly, offered sincere friendship.

Ann will be remembered for her love of the ocean. She enjoyed spending time walking along the shore collecting sea glass. Once retired, Ann and her husband Ralph purchased an RV and traveled with their beloved dogs Maggie Mae and JD all across the United States for 3 years, traveling to 40 different states. Above all, Ann was dedicated to her family and friends. Her greatest joy was making memories with them.

Ann will be deeply missed by her husband Ralph Rye of Munsonville, NH; daughter Samantha Lauren Brenner-Carr and her spouse Matthew Walter Carr of Milwaukee, WI; sister Jennifer Jean (Lovely) Paye and her spouse John Paye of Wells River, VT; niece and nephew, who were like children to Ann, Kaela Fish of Keene, NH and Russell Fish of Leesburg, FL; and Kaela’s children who were like grandchildren to Ann, Presley and Max of Keene, NH; mother-in-law Brenda Goodlet of Green Bay, WI; sister-in-law Lori Steinhoff and her spouse Craig Steinhoff; niece Isabella Steinhoff of Green Bay, WI.

In addition to her parents, Ann was also predeceased by her adorned grandmother Marion Ester Lovely; her father-in-law Roger Gronke; her great-aunt Helen Mansfield; her nephew Elden Steinhoff; as well as her beloved dogs Maggie Mae, JD, Nico, and Nina.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday June 3rd, from 4 PM to 8 PM at the American Legion in Hillsboro, NH.

Memorial donations in Ann’s memory may be made to:

• Loon Preservation Committee - https://loon.org/donate/

• Being There, Reaching Out (Military Gold Star Family Support Organization)

5201 Donna Court, Hales Corners, WI 53130