Ann B. Boughner

Ann Elizabeth (Beckley) Boughner, a lifelong resident of Mifflinburg, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, in hospice care in Pittsburgh, lovingly surrounded by her family.

Ann was born on March 27, 1947, to Clyde “Jack” and Dorothy “Dottie” Beckley. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where Jack and Dottie served as deacons. She and her older brother, Richard “Rick,” were raised together in post–World-War-II America, a time of sweeping cultural change. Ann and Rick remained very close throughout their lifetime despite living on opposite coasts. Ann also fondly remembered their childhood dog, Bounce, and her years swimming at the Mifflinburg community pool. Ann greatly cherished her family’s house on Chestnut Street, which served as home to four generations.

A 1965 graduate of Mifflinburg High School, Ann always loved seeing and hearing from her “classmates.” She went on to graduate with a cosmetology degree from Empire Beauty School (Sunbury), and in 1967, Ann married the love of her life, Philip “Phil” Boughner, who was close friends with Ann’s brother.

Together, Ann and Phil welcomed their children, Daniel “Dan” in 1969 and Jennifer “Jen” in 1970. Nothing brought Ann more joy than her children—except perhaps watching (or listening to) Penn State and Steelers football games. She was a rabid fan and would often yell at the television or radio and jump out of her seat during the games, much to the fright and delight of many.

Ann treasured her time as a practicing, licensed beautician and business owner. She was well-loved by many in the Mifflinburg community, who had their hair cut, washed, permed, colored, and (or) set at Boughner’s Beauty Shoppe across several decades. Her clients included the Mifflinburg wrestling team—of which her son, Dan, was a part—as well as her family, friends, neighbors, and many prominent Mifflinburg citizens, including the “ladies,” whose hair she set regularly.

Ann was a fantastic cook, who made the best chili, potato and vegetable soups, baked beans, pancakes, and Toll House cookies this side of the Susquehanna. She had a terrific singing voice and loved all animals, especially her cats, her grand-cats, and her grand-dog, Cole—who still believes that treats grew from her hands. Ann was also known to avidly watch birds from her kitchen window while she “did” the dishes several times each day. Late in her life, Ann lovingly cared for multiple plants with the green thumb she inherited from her father.

Ann was a fighter, who survived deep losses in her life, including the deaths of her husband, her father and mother, her son, and her brother. She worked tirelessly to help support her family, often going without so those around her would not suffer. Ann was also a breast cancer survivor who quietly battled with dementia for several years.

While shouldering her own losses quietly, Ann ardently cheered on her family and friends alike. She was a second mom to many of her kids’ friends, who remember spending time at the Boughner house on Walnut Street from childhood through high school graduation. Ann was always ready with a witty comment that let you know she was paying attention to the details of your life. No one knew this better than her lifelong fellow “Night Owl,” Mary Jones, who was beloved by Ann from the moment they met.

Friends and family may find joy and peace knowing that Ann is no longer suffering and has rejoined her many loved ones in spirit. She is survived by her daughter, Jen, whose partner, Keith, also loved and took care of Ann for nearly a decade. She also leaves behind her dear friend Mary; cousins too numerous to name; her brother’s widow, Alecia; and her close friends, Karen and Clem Haley, among many others.

In accordance with Ann’s wishes, she was cremated and will remain both with her daughter in Pittsburgh and with her Night Owl friend, Mary, in Mifflinburg.

Friends and family are invited to remember Ann at a public visitation service at Dominick T. Adamo Funeral Home (Mifflinburg) on Saturday, October 25, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Ann’s giving spirit be carried on through charitable gifts or acts of service to any charity of the donor’s choosing.