Ann Winn (Childs) Hyre (age redacted) passed away in Charleston, WV, on Friday, July 21, 2023, after a long illness.

A tiny spitfire who lived life to the fullest, Ann was a mother, grandmother, and partner loved beyond measure. Her irreverent sense of humor, unique ability to turn a phrase, and devotion to friends and strangers alike made her an adored pillar of the community. A lifelong Democrat, she was committed to making West Virginia a better place, and her contributions were many. You could always count on her to fight for the underdog… or actually, any dog. Ann never met an animal she didn’t love.

One of her proudest accomplishments was her work as Deputy Director of West Virginia Health Right. She raised tens of millions of dollars to bring critical medical services to those who needed it the most, tirelessly writing grants, securing in-kind donations, and shaking her friends down for the largest contributions they could muster. Her daughters joke that she personally helped spend every dollar she raised to ensure anyone in need got into Health Right to receive the quality care they deserved.

A sharp businessperson and entrepreneur, Ann also co-founded and led the Jobs Company, creating pathways for students who didn’t finish high school to earn their GEDs and receive vocational training. While her girls were young, she was the President of the Board for Children’s Theatre of Charleston, bringing fresh eyes and renewed fun to this crucial arts outlet for the city’s youth.

Ann is survived by her devoted partner of 25 years, Dennis Hicks; her ex-husband turned dear friend, Steve Hyre; her beloved daughters, Christina (Marc) and Stephanie (John); as well as the two greatest joys in her life, her grandsons, Jack and Benny. She is also survived by her brothers, David and Richard Childs of Summit Point, many nieces and nephews, and more friends than we could afford to list in print here. She is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Bell (Johnson) Childs Laycock, and her father, David Burwell Childs.

A celebration of life will be held in memory of Ann Hyre on September 16, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. at The Hale Center (210 Hale Street, Charleston, WV 25301). The  event will be an open house with a short remembrance ceremony at 4 p.m. Ann’s friends and family are invited to share memories, drinks, and appetizers in honor of this tiny spitfire who holds claims to so much space in our hearts.

To honor her memory, her family asks that donations be made to West Virginia Health Right (https://wvhealthright.org/)  in her name.

Memories of Ann may be shared by visiting http://snodgrassfuneral.com and selecting the obituary. Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston, is handling the arrangements.