Ann Blish Obituary

Ann Evelyn (Bernhardt) Blish

September 9, 1944 - March 19, 2025

Ann Evelyn Blish passed away at the age of 80 at Rinaldi Convalescent Hospital in Granada Hills, Calif., on March 19, 2025, after bravely fighting a long illness. She was born in Kenosha, Wis., on September 9, 1944, the third of five siblings, to the late Dorothy E. Bernhardt and Carl Bernhardt.

Ann was preceded in death by two daughters, Dawn Marie Blish, and Kimberly Dale Blish, who passed at 48, from cancer; her parents, Dorthy E. and Carl Bernhardt; her brother, Pastor William Frederick Bernhardt; sister-in-law, Patricia Bernhardt, sister-in-law, Linda Bernhardt; and two nephews, Drake Allen Otto, son of Karlene Williams and Robert Otto, and Jordan Alexander Bass, son of Cheryl Bernhardt Bass and Robert D. Bass.

She is survived by her son, Craig Arthur Blish; daughter-in-law, Crystal Blish; three grandchildren, John, Collin and Macayla Blish; two great-grandchildren, Jordy Levy and Alan J. Blish; two sisters, Karlene Williams and Cheryl Bernhardt Bass; brother, Carl A. Bernhardt; brother-in law, Robert D. Bass; nine nieces and nephews; a God Child, Janet Leiting; and 21 great-nieces and nephews.

As a child, Ann pursued Ballet, music and modeling classes. She attended Frieden's Lutheran School, Mary D. Bradford H.S. and Gateway Tech, graduating with an associate's degree in accounting. While in Kenosha, Wis., Ann worked as a waitress at Krok's Restaurant, a bank teller at Brown National Bank and as Secretary to the President of First Bank. Mid-1980s, Ann moved to California and worked as a manager of Glendale Federal in its Encino and Pacific Palisades branches. She then moved to Las Vegas, Nev., and was employed by the Tropicana Casino/Hotel in management as a hostess to their affluent clientele. After the loss of her daughter Kimberly, she moved to California to be near her son's family.

Ann's greatest joys were cruises with her son's family, dancing and trips to Catalina Island. Ann was a blessing to all who knew her. She will be loved and cherished in our hearts until we meet again. Ann was laid to rest at Pierce Brothers Mortuary next to her daughter Kimberly in Westlake Village, Calif. The Blish family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to friends and family for the gifts they provided in Ann's memory.