August 7, 1956 in Williams Lake -
February 11, 2011

It is with utter shock, regret and sadness that we announce our ray of sunshine, AHNE, left us unexpectedly and peacefully in her sleep on Friday, February 11, 2011.

She is survived by her soul mate and adoring husband Robert Murray, affectionate and devoted son, Nigel Blackhall (Renae), loving parents June (Norm) Cridland, Fred (Caryn) Rich, sisters Iris (Carl) Rich, Sage Rich, Trina (Bob) Cross, brother Darral Rich, in-laws, Tom (Doreen) Murray, sister-in-law Shirley-Ann (Brent) Wolfe, brother-in-law Don McQuay, Nigel's father Charles Blackhall (Kerry) and step-sister Deki, Uncle Ken Blackhall (Penny)-Aubrey, Julian. Nieces - Codie (Brad) McQuay, Randie Cross, nephews - Colter McQuay, Jason (Aki)- Hanako, Kaisei, Logan- Joseph, Sydney. Adopted mother to - Austin, Aaron, Peter, Mike, Davis, Cory, Dave, Morgan, Russ, Amy, Erin.

Predeceased by infant brother Robert Rich and infant nephew Chanse McQuay.

Ahne was a vibrant, powerful human being and a most amazing, beautiful woman, mother, wife, sister and auntie. She had lived her dream with her son Nigel and over the past 2 months, in Nicaragua on the land they had bought, she personally designed and built her red brick path, now named Ahne's Path see at www.seecjam.blogspot.com

Robert was the love of her life. They were each other's rock and engaged life to the fullest, travelling to Hawaii and Mexico. Ahne loved the wind blowing through her hair and the sun on her face. They boated, rode Harleys, and snowmobiled. Bob took care of his princess, building her a castle overlooking Shuswap Lake.

Ahne was adventuresome experiencing many professions over her lifetime within the hospitality industry from Key West, Victoria and the Shuswap. As a gourmet chef/caterer she operated the Okanagan University cafeteria in Salmon Arm for 5 years. She was the "Hostess with the Mostess" always planning events to gather her friends and family together. Ahne was active in the North Shuswap Lions, Community Hall and many sports teams.

Ahne was a multi-talented artist, actress, dancer and gardener. She engaged in the crafts of silversmithing, floral design; export/importing from Mexico and South-east Asia. The great outdoors and travel were her passion loving the sun, the heat, the animals and all that nature provided.

As a feisty soul whose tender spirit touched all she met. She fought a long battle with health issues and her courage and fortitude gave her strength to fight the challenges set before her. Ahne was an inspiration to many. She came into this world to live it out loud. Her style was gregarious but her own. She was a Lioness Mother! Raising her wonderful son, Nigel, was joy of her life. She always had extra love to look after all the stray "cubs" he brought home. Ahne gave life to any party with her infectious smile and humorous comments. Her heart belonged to many; generous, kind, understanding, wise - she was there for all of us.

She was a "KOOK" but she was our "KOOK".

A Celebration of her life will be Ahne's Farewell Social to be held March 19, 2011, the first days of spring, at the Celista Community Hall from 2 till.....

In honour of Ahne's spirit costumes are invited.... if you have photos, please bring them for Ahne's album.

"I will always be..... as long as
someone thinks of me"

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a trust fund to build Ahne's School Library in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua, at HSBC # 460 397168 203 - or cheques, C/O Iris Rich.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.schoenings.com

Cremation arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 250-374-1454.