Ann Burke Reimers, local orange grower and philanthropist passed away on July 27, 2012 having lived a long and wonderful life. She was born in Visalia on September 5, 1919. She graduated from a local High School then attended the University of California for three years and graduated from Smith College in 1941. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and an avid lover of the out of doors who lived a full life enjoying the bounty of nature. Her Woodlake home is nestled among the oaks along the banks of the St Johns River. Ann raised thoroughbred race horses at her ranch and one of her most successful horses was Beau St. John. She was an expert equestrian and owned and showed Quarter Horses throughout her life. One of her favorite horses was Kaweah King or better known as "Bucky". Among his many championships, he was Hackamore Champion at the prestigious Del Mar Horseshow. Ann's house and heart were a refuge for unwanted dogs and cats. With Ann at the wheel driving her white pickup truck through town, there were always multiple canine passengers enjoying the ride. Ann was a devout Catholic and attended mass daily. The church was only one of Ann's favorite charities. She gave new meaning to the words "Tiger Boosters". Whether flipping burgers at the high school football games or working at the Tuesday Bingo fundraisers, this selfless woman was always ready to serve. She supported the Woodlake Food Pantry, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, California Agriculture Leadership, Cat Haven, local SPCA, dog rescue and numerous other charities. Auntie Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don Reimers in 1975. Married in January 1942, Don carried her over the threshold of their first home on a ranch outside of Lemon Cove. This wonderful Victorian home held many special memories of their years together. They moved to Woodlake in 1970. She was also preceded in death by her cousin, Franklin Otis Booth Jr. Ann and Otis each inherited a 40 acre parcel, which Don Reimers planted in oranges in 1950; thus sparking Otis's interest in the orange industry which today is Booth Ranches.
Published in Visalia Times Delta July 31, 2012