Biography: Ann Lee Hight died in Little Rock, AR on May 4, 2023. Ann was born on December 14, 1932 in Millington, TN to Bill & Elizabeth Lee. After early years in Memphis, Ann moved to Maryville, TN where she graduated from high school. She attended the University of Tennessee at Knoxville receiving a BA in English History & German. She moved to Memphis, TN to obtain a masters in Social Work. It was there in 1954 that she met Chester (Chet) Hight on a blind date to play bridge. The relationship clicked! They were married in June 1956 and moved to California after Chet’s graduation from dental school and commissioning into the Army at Ft. Ord near Carmel, CA. After relocating to Little Rock in 1958, Ann worked for a year at the state hospital as a social worker. New to Little Rock, Ann enjoyed being active with her Tri-Delta alumni and was president of the Central Arkansas Dental Auxiliary. After their second child was born, Ann quit her paying job and spent many hours volunteering for organizations she loved. She supported Youth Home on its board and serving as interim manager for The Yellow Daisy. She also served on the Little Rock Wind Symphony, Aldersgate, and Oasis Renewal Center boards. Active in Pulaski Heights Presbyterian and Second Presbyterian Church, she served as a deacon, elder, and Stephen Minister. Ann especially enjoyed her time as a docent for the Decorative Arts Museum and the Arkansas Arts Center.
In 1963 Ann started sailing and particularly enjoyed cruising the Maine coast. Ann returned to college in the 1980s and obtained her Masters in Gerontology.
An avid reader fond of English mysteries, she was an incredible knitter that produced many beautiful sweaters for the family. An excellent chef, Ann enjoyed learning how to cook anything new and different. Four legged creatures were always nearby during her entire adult life. She loved walking her Golden Retrievers, Heather & Maggie, at Knoop Park and by the Rebsamen golf course.
Ann’s happy place was her home at Eden Isle near Heber Springs. She enjoyed the many new friends she made there especially at St. Francis Episcopal Church. She spent evenings riding in the golf cart with Chet and her dogs and loved watching her grandchildren grow up and enjoy the lake.
Ann is survived by her husband Chet, daughter Tracy Sykes and husband Leland, daughter Karen Russell and husband Ray, granddaughter Courtney Hesterly and husband Miles, grandson Taylor Sykes, and great-grandson Charles McConnell Hesterly.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to those persons that helped care for Ann the past few years. A heartfelt thank you to Chaney and Sara from Hospice Home Care and Jamela Harris.
You are invited to celebrate Ann’s life on Saturday May 13, 2023 at 11:00 am at Second Presbyterian Church 600 Pleasant Valley Drive Little Rock, AR. A reception will follow.
Arrangements by RuebelFuneralHome.com In lieu of flowers please consider supporting the Little Rock Wind Symphony or NPR/KUAR.
Andy and I are sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.