Ann Elaine Choate passed away peacefully with family by her side on Jan. 5, 2024, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 73. 

Born in Prineville, to Lloyd and Elaine Larson. She was the oldest of ten and the family moved frequently as Lloyd worked in the logging industry. They eventually settled, for a time, in Spangle, Wash., and it was there she met her husband, Mike.

They married in 1970, had their first child in Spokane and moved to Burns, in 1972. Ann and Mike raised their five children in Burns and called it home. She provided in home-daycare before starting work in the Harney County School District in 1991. Ann made a career out of caring for children. She was crazy about kids and had an innate gift to connect and care for children of all ages. She was a tremendously strong woman. Gracious, kind and treated everyone with respect. She always had an ability to lead and have strength for the people around her. Her strength led not only her children, but also her siblings and countless others. 

She loved to garden and read. Her bookshelves were full and her gardens always in bloom. Ann was an active member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Burns. She taught CCD, sang in the choir, and lectured between keeping her children quiet and in line. She was also a long-time member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA) and held all positions at both the chapter and state level. 

She is survived by her five children, 10 grandchildren, one great grandchild and eight siblings: Kate Modey, her husband, Joel, and their three children, Christian, Nicholas and Noah. Christian, and his wife, Kara, and their son, Kobe. Melanie, and her two children, Kirstin and Ryan. Miranda, her husband, Jesse and their son, Oscar. Alexander, and his two children, Aidin and Vanessa. Abraham, his wife Mandy, and their children, Clara and Magnolia. Jan, Julie, Joe, Mary, John, Gini, Steve and Dan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; her parents, Lloyd and Elaine Larson; and brother, Dennis Larson.

She will surely be missed by many.

If you would like to made a donation, please make it out to ESA Burns, designation St. Jude Children’s Hospital c/o Melanie Swann, 948 N Court Ave, Burns, OR 97720.

Memorial services will be held in Burns, at the Senior Center on June 22, 2024, time TBD.