Anna Mae Griechen, 72, of Dowagiac, passed away at 4 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at her home.

Anna Mae’s life began on May 25, 1938, the daughter of Benjamin and Elgie (Odykirk) Hendershott.

She was educated at a nurse, receiving her nursing degree from Southwestern Michigan College.

Anna Mae worked for Bronson Methodist Hospital, Berrien General Hospital and Lee Memorial Hospital.

She was an office nurse for Dr. DeVarona and at the Schato Nursing Home in Dowagiac.

Anna Mae was a genealogy buff and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

She was a strong and independent woman who was as much a carpenter, working on her home as a seamstress making dresses for her children’s weddings.  She was an excellent baker and gardener. Basically, Anna Mae could do it all.

Her loving family includes: her children, Dawn Pontius of South Bend, Ind., Fred Griechen of Colorado, Kerry (Ellen) Griechen of Louisiana and Shawn Stark of Dowagiac; grandchildren, Justin (Daphne) Pontius, Keith Stark, David Stark, Derek Stark and Stephani Griechen; sisters, Ruth Bedell, Dolly Richmond and Shirley McKinley; brothers, Ralph Hendershott and Clyde Hendershott; and many nieces and nephews.

Anna Mae is preceded in death by: an infant daughter, Christine Griechen; sisters, Doris, Edna, Mary, Dorothy and Hazel; and brothers, Harold, Wayne, Harvey and David.

Her family will receive friends on Thursday from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yazel and Clark Chapel, where her funeral service will be held on Thursday at 1 p.m. led by Pastor Stacy Wilder of Calvary Bible Church.

She will be laid to rest in Mission Hills Cemetery, Niles.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the St. Vincent DePaul Society.

Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Anna Mae at www.yazel-clark.com