Anne Karen Hysell

Anne Hysell passed away peacefully with her daughter by her side on December 26, 2024, at Providence St. Mary Medical Center in Walla Walla, Washington.

The youngest of three children, Anne was born in Long Prairie, MN to Hugh and Ruth Robinson. Although the family briefly lived in Seattle and Sequim WA, Anne was raised predominantly in the small town of Long Prairie where she met her childhood sweetheart and future husband Bob Hysell in junior high school.

After two years of college at the University of Minnesota majoring in fashion merchandizing, Anne married Bob and they moved to Pensacola, FL where Bob was stationed as an Air Traffic Controller in the US Navy. Daughter Catherine was born two years later and the family returned to Minnesota while Bob pursued a career in architecture.

Anne loved to travel. She was not afraid to say "Yes" to any adventure, and the couple fulfilled that wanderlust through Bob's work as an architect, living all over the United States as well as Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. No matter where they lived, Anne got involved in the art community. A mostly self-taught artist, she also studied at the Minnesota College of Art and Design, University of Minnesota and University of Houston. Working primarily with pastels and oils, her work was widely admired and has appeared in juried/invitational shows and is in private collections throughout the world.

Besides her passion for art, Anne truly loved people and she made lifelong friends of all ages and from all walks of life. Described as elegant and classy yet also unpretentious and fun, Anne was a great cook and hostess, always making people feel welcomed and appreciated. She loudly cheered the Seahawks and Vikings over a bowl of popcorn and never refused a good game of cards. She lit up every room she entered. Volunteering for Children's Hospital, Whitman College Friendship Family, Friends of Children of Walla Walla, Carnegie Picture Lab, and other charities, she gave of her time, energy and love to those who needed it. But she will be remembered most for her infectious laugh (which she inherited from her father), and her robust zest for life.

Anne is survived by her daughter Catherine, and many nieces and nephews who claim she is their favorite aunt. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob, her parents Hugh and Ruth Robinson, and her sister Betty and brother John. Her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Jon Gardner and the staff at Providence St. Mary's who helped to ensure that Anne's final days were comfortable and peaceful. A family celebration of life will take place at a future date.