Ann Kathryn Soft

Ann Kathryn Soft, 93, of Pendleton, Oregon passed away at her home, surrounded by family, on February 24, 2024. Ann was born in Cashton, WI, on October 15, 1930. At the age of three years, her parents, Charlie and Isabel Von Ruden moved the family to land outside Richey, Montana where they moved into the early version of their
homestead, a cellar dug into the ground with a roof laid on top, and Ann grew up a prairie girl.
The family moved into the town of Richey where Ann completed school as valedictorian of her Richey High School class. After attending Northern Montana University in Havre for one year, she married Roland (Rollie, aka Hans) Gerald Soft, also of Richey. They then made the move to northern Ohio for the start of his career. Ann and Roland lived in Ohio for nearly nineteen years and began the raising of their four children: Rolann, Renee, Rhonda and Rodney. Ann immersed herself in community groups and activities that focused on the well-being of kids. She took an active role in kids’ activities through the CCL, Child Conservation League, where kids learned things like how to bowl and got to ride big pumpkin trucks at Halloween distributing pumpkins around the neighborhoods. She became the Girl Scouts Regional Director, as well as the leader of her girls’ troops for several years helping all the girls earn badges and learn outdoor cooking skills.
In 1970, another career move brought them to Pendleton, Oregon where Ann has lived for the remaining 53 years of her life. Ann began a long tenure working in food service at the high school cafeteria becoming life-long friends with those with whom she worked. Ann later served as a volunteer greeter at St Anthony’s Hospital, meeting those who came in the door and helping them on their way. Ann attended the Pendleton Free Methodist Church (Creekside Church) where she had many friends.
Ann is survived by her brother Robert (Pauline) Von Ruden; her four children: Rolann (Robert) Armstrong, Renee Fredrickson, Rhonda Wyland, Rodney (Rhonda) Soft; her grandchildren: Rachael (Justin) McCaffree, Robin Thompson, Reid (Sali) Armstrong, Arin Wyland, Alec Wyland,  Alden (Stephanie) Wyland, Russell Soft, Rebekah Soft, Rhianna Soft, and Reuben Soft; and seven great grandchildren along with many other relatives and friends whose lives she had touched.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roland G. Soft; her sisters: Dorothy Miller, Arlaine Abbott, and Helen Miller; and her son-in-law, Alan Wyland.
Ann’s service was held at the Creekside Church on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 1:00 pm. A graveside was held at Sky View Memorial Park immediately following the funeral.

Arrangements are being made by Pendleton Pioneer Chapel, Folsom-Bishop.