Anna Mae Griechen, 72, of Dowagiac, passed away Feb. 28, 2011 at her home.

Anna Mae’s life began May 25, 1938 when she was born to Benjamin and Elgie (Odykirk) Hendershott.

She was educated as 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, gardener and basically, Anna Mae could do it all.

Her loving family includes her children, Dawn Pontius of South Bend, 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.

She 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 Thursday from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. at Yazel & Clark Chapel, where her funeral service will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. led by Pastor Stacy Wilder of the 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.