Niles native Donna Ochenryder believes she was put on this earth to compile the history of the city in which she grew up and its surrounding areas.

“Sharing it (history) with everybody is what I enjoy most — I believe it is my job,” she said. “I think that the Lord gives each one of us a particular assignment and mine is history. That’s what I do.”

On Tuesday, Ochenryder was chosen as the 2013 recipient of the Frank J. Ward Memorial History Award, which is presented annually to an individual, organization or business that advances the cause of local history through research, writing, historical preservation or programming in Berrien County.

The award was established four years ago through a bequest by the estate of Frank J. Ward, a man who was very active in the Berrien County Historical Association.

Ochenryder received a plaque at the BCHA’s annual meeting at the History Center in Berrien Springs.

Ochenryder said the award should have written on it two other names — her husband of 59 years, Herbert, and God.

“I can only do the research and historical preservation that I do because my husband has allowed me the time and means to do it. He is Mr. Mom and takes me everywhere I need to go,” she said. “Between God and my husband, they have made me the historian I am.”

Ochenryder developed a deep love for Niles as a child growing up downtown on Front Street in an area that was demolished during urban renewal in 1970.

Ochenryder said her childhood was spent “haunting” the downtown businesses and the people who worked in them.

“That is my family,” she said.

Although Ochenryder didn’t begin physically compiling the history of Niles until later in life, she said she’s been “mentally” collecting as long as she can remember.

At her home on Pucker Street Drive in Niles, Ochenryder has a library filled with binders full of historical photos and documents about Niles.

“If I can’t remember something, that is my reference — I can look it up there,” she said. “I enjoy sharing it with anyone who asks.”

Ochenryder said she draws inspiration from the bible verse Matthew 5:16, which reads:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Coincidentally — or not — Ochenryder’s birthday is May 16 (5-16).