Ann "Mouse" Lange

Lela Ann Lange

March 18, 1941 - Dec 31, 2020

       Born in Bakersfield on March 18, 1941 to her parents Rita and "Andie" Charlton,

Ann became a lifelong Kern Co resident. She was raised on the Rankin Ranch in Walker Basin. She attended school in Caliente, Edison School, East Bakersfield High and Bakersfield Jr. College. Ann ultimately transferred to UC Davis to study History and English for her teaching credential.

     Ann met the love of her life, Detlev Lange, in Davis while teaching in Yuba City. They became engaged and married 6 months later in Walker Basin, at the Walker Rankin Ranch.

     After Detlev completed his veterinary medical education and passed the CA - Vet Med State Boards, a job opening was available in Ridgecrest at a mixed animal practice. A year later they moved to Lake Isabella to start their own Veterinary Clinic since none existed there. It was a long, hard struggle but the practice succeeded with Ann's effort. She was the office manager, receptionist, bookkeeper and surgical assistant. She also saw the need for a licensed technician. So, she took the California Vet Technician test and passed it. In 2013 Ann finally retired from work to pursue her other interests, those of wilderness packing, camping, reading, and relaxing.

     In 1982, while on a pack trip, she noted the lack of trail maintenance in the wilderness, creating some dangerous situations for the pack animals. At that time, also the Back Country Horsemen Association was formed, a volunteer wilderness organization dedicated to keep and maintain wilderness trails open.

     Ann joined because it provided a chance to use and work her horse and mules, experience the wilderness camping and campfire camaraderie. She became a recognized advocate of wilderness trails as National Wilderness Chairperson, honoram, lifetime member of the Back Country Horsemen Association and recently rode in the Bishop Mule Day Parade as "Most Favorite Packer".

     Ann was a "candid" person. She excelled in everything she attempted. Her gentle demeanor, frequent smile and positive attitude lit up the room wherever she was.

She will truly be missed and remembered. She leaves behind the lifelong love of her life, Detlev Lange DVM, her son John Andrew Lange of Lake Isabella, twin brother Leland "Biff ' Charlton of New Cuyama, nephew Phillip Charlton of Kansas and sister in law Linda Charlton of New Cuyama.

     Private funeral services will be held at Walker Basin Private Cemetery for family and close friends.

     Due to the covid-19, a celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date when the pandemic has subsided. Please consult immediate family for dates and details.

     In lieu of flowers please donate to the Shriner's Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and the Optimal Hospice foundation of Lake Isabella.

DOUGHTY-CALHOUN-O’MEARA FUNERAL DIRECTORS