DOUGLAS – On Friday, March 25, 2022 Ruth Anne Smathers, mother, grandmother and loving friend to all passed away in an auto accident taking her best horses and dogs with her. The daughter of Ruth (Grant) and Tom Mitchell, Anne was born May 5, 1954. She was raised, a fourth-generation rancher, in the Harney Hills where her love for animals was firmly established. In August of 1971 she married Jim Bartschi. This marriage was blessed with Anne’s only two children, Gynette and Toby.
Anne was a proud member of the pony express for over 25 years. She loved to share stories of her many rides and always got a reaction when she shared her adventures of sale barns, ranching, hunting and time spent with those she loved.
Anne was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her brother, John Mitchell; daughter, Gynette King of Douglas, grandchildren Melissa King and Samuel Mittleider; son, Toby Bartschi (Kit) of Lusk, grandchildren Derick Young (Brittany), Bryan Bartschi (Annahlisse) and Shelby Bartschi; great grandchildren: Airelynn, Jackson, Michael and Wacey.
A celebration of Anne’s life will take place Friday, April 1, 2022 at 2 p.m. in Douglas at the American Legion. A gathering of friends and family will be held immediately following at the same location.
