Ann W. Castle

Ann W. Castle, 71, of Elgin, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2025. Born March 5, 1954, in Elgin. After 20 years in the Postal Service, Ann opened South Side Annies. Then she and her partner, Gene Booker created Bookers Backyard which later moved to South Elgin and became just Bookers. Beloved partner of the late Booker; loving daughter of the late Eugene and Helen Castle; cherished sister of William Castle, Kathryn Castle and the late Donald (Shirley) Castle and dear aunt of Sarah and Julia. Cremation is private at the Countryside Funeral Home and Crematory, South Elgin. The gathering at the closing of Bookers was the perfect ending for Annie. So in lieu of a service, honor her memory today by treating everyone you see with respect and kindness no matter who they are. Help someone without being asked or waiting for thanks. And finally, find time getting lost in the reading of a book you just haven’t had time to read.