Ann Josephine Miklish, of Fruita, Colo., died Monday, Oct. 7, 2002, at her home. She was 96.

Miss Miklish was born Aug. 28, 1906, in the coal mining town of South Canyon to Josef and Mary Serik Miklish. She spent her childhood and attended school in South Canyon, Colo., and graduated from Garfield County High School in Glenwood Springs, Colo.

She was trained as a nurse at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Denver, Colo., and worked in hospitals in Glenwood Springs, Fruita and California.

On Aug. 15, 1942, she joined the Army Nurse Corps. During her tour of duty she was assigned to a ship platoon, Army station and a general hospital in the United States, Western Pacific and Asiatic theaters.

After her discharge from the Army, she worked at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Cheyenne, Wyo., for 23 years. After retirement, she returned to Glenwood Springs and later moved to Fruita.

Miss Miklish was a member of the AARP, the Frontier Historical Society, Western Slope Bottle Club and American Legion Post 83.

She enjoyed her dogs, fishing, bottle collecting, gardening and playing cards.

She was preceded in death by brothers Tony and Joe Miklish; sisters Mary Weckel, Agnes Bell, Jessie Arbaney, Grace Roberson, Katie Miklish and Frances Hinman; and nephew Gary Hinman.

Miss Miklish is survived by nieces Charlotte Hood and Kathryn Long, both of Glenwood Springs, Sally Gobbo, of Tucson, Ariz., Carole Romberg, of Broomfield, Colo., and Barbara Hinman, of Pueblo, Colo.; and six great-nephews and four great-nieces.

A Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, at Farnum Holt Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Vic Kimminau officiating. A Mass and funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 14, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Glenwood Springs, with Monsignor Al Muniz officiating. Burial will follow at Rosebud Cemetery in Glenwood Springs.

Farnum Holt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Stephen’s Catholic Church of Glenwood Springs, or a charity of choice.