Ruth Ann Young, 70, passed away on January 5, 2026. Ann was born on November 14, 1955, in Frankfort, Kentucky. The youngest of three children, Ann grew up in Lawrenceburg with her father, John Earl Young, her mother, Betty Searcy Young, and her brothers, John and James.

As a child, Ann loved to lie in the grass on her family's farm, reading books and daydreaming. She attended Western Kentucky University and spent most of her career working for the Kentucky State government.

She had an artistic eye and was always making clever little crafts that delighted her family: sparkling pipe-cleaner snowflakes, tiny ponies made of recycled stockings, delicate paper ornaments. She enjoyed collecting and playing games of all kinds, and she had an impressive collection of board games she helped launch through Kickstarter.

She had friends all over the world through the online communities in which she was active, including a community that shared her love of Irish music. She was a lifelong animal lover who took in any needy creature that landed on her doorstep. She was always ready to hear a funny story and had an infectious laugh.

Ann was a devoted caretaker during her mother's final years. She was also active in the lives of her niece Lindsey (and husband Ted), nephew James, sister-in-law Shelby, and her three young grandnephews, making annual visits to North Carolina to enjoy the holidays with family.

She will be missed.

Cremation was chosen, with inurnment in Lawrenceburg Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Condolences may be shared online at www.ritchieandpeach.com .