Ann M. (Noakes) Vought

Dr. Ann Marie (Noakes) Vought, Ph.D., age 91, of Bloomsburg passed into eternal light on Monday, May 4, 2026 at the Highlands Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center in Laporte.

Born in Mahanoy City, Ann Marie was the only child of Stasia and Herbert Noakes. Her beloved husband, William C. Vought, a U.S. Air Force WWII veteran, preceded her in death in 1987. Ann Marie was a soft-spoken, gentle woman with an endearing sense of humor and generous heart who nurtured people of all ages throughout her remarkable life. She leaves behind many dear friends, former students, and colleagues and will be sorely missed.

After earning a Bachelor and Master of Education degrees from the Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Behavioral Sciences with a focus in the field of Reading from the University of Delaware, Ann Marie retired from a notable career as a faculty member in the College of Education at Bloomsburg University of PA. She then opened the Montessori Children’s House of Bloomsburg, where with her expertise in reading and child development, the stage was set for her preschoolers to gain a sense of independence and confidence in their abilities at a very young age. The connections made during her teaching years resulted in decades-long friendships with parents and students alike. Her far-reaching legacy is one of kindness and the pursuit of life-long learning.

Ann Marie and her husband Bill built a beautiful contemporary home in the Bloomsburg area. With the help of her talented gardener and craftsman, and other hard-working assistants, their mountainside acreage blossomed into a stunning work of art and immersive botanical experience. Countless joyful hours were spent in the gardens and sharing organic meals and recipes with friends who felt honored to walk her peaceful paths and sit at her table. Everyone looked forward to learning about her latest interests and farm-to-table recommendations.

Ann Marie enjoyed visiting her favorite design and garden centers, restaurants, and Penns Creek Pottery, attending the Eagles Mere Arts & Crafts Festival, Bloomsburg University’s Celebrity Artist Series, and the Bloomsburg Fair, and bundled up every holiday season for Christkindl Market in Mifflinburg.

A loyal pen pal, Ann Marie offered just the right mix of encouragement and wisdom in the letters and cards she regularly sent, signing her heart-felt messages to those she considered family with the simple yet powerful words, “Love and Light, Ann Marie.”

She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Vought, on August 25, 1987.

Surviving is her stepdaughter, Cynthia Vought, of Connecticut.

Graveside services will be held on Monday May 11, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. in New Rosemont Cemetery, Espy, with Rev. Gordon E. Smith, of St. John Lutheran Church, Espy, officiating.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Dean W. Kriner Inc. Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 325 Market St., Bloomsburg.

Condolence messages and photographs may be posted at: www.krinerfuneralhomes.com