Anna Showalter
1930 - 2019
Obituary
Anna (Ann) Showalter was born Jan. 8,
1930, on a farm near Kokomo, Indiana, to Jacob and Lovina Helmuth
Yoder, the youngest of seven children. Ann died on Wednesday (Nov. 6,
2019) at Presbyterian Manor in Newton, following a short illness.
She married Ray Showalter Feb. 20,
1953, in Kansas City, Missouri. They had four children: Krista
Kaufman (Robert), Karen Hildebrand (Steven), Carmen Patton (Andy) and
Thomas (Jonna). She was preceded in death by her husband; parents;
siblings: Sam Yoder, John Yoder, Clarence Yoder, Tillie Nauraine and
Elizabeth Yoder.
Survivors include her children; and
brother, Aden Yoder; as well as 13 grandchildren and 26
great-grandchildren.
Ann was raised in an Old Order Amish
home where much value was placed on hard work as well as education.
Following eighth grade, she started high school but soon dropped out
to go to Florida for the winter with her parents. It was during this
time that she was baptized and became a member of the Mennonite
Church. Eventually, she found her way to Hesston Academy and
completed her high school education. Her educational journey
continued with her acceptance into an X-ray technologist training
program in Kansas City, Missouri.
Following her marriage and the
beginnings of a family, Ray and Ann moved to Puerto Rico on
assignment with Mennonite Board of Missions. During this time, their
family expanded with the adoption of Carmen and Thomas. Numerous
moves occurred, with the family eventually settling in Hesston.
During Ann's years in Hesston, she worked as an X-ray technician as
well as a variety of other jobs.
In 1978, Ann graduated from Bethel
College in North Newton with a degree in Social Work. In 1982, she
graduated from Bethany Theological Seminary in Oak Brook, Illionois.
Her involvement in ministry was varied. Ann served as a chaplain in a
residential program for homeless women in downtown Chicago. She was
assistant director of field education at Associated Mennonite
Biblical Seminaries in Elkhart, Indiana. Ann was a chaplain for the
AIDS network in Chicago, where she impacted many lives.
In 1992, Ann moved to Colorado, where
she served as interim pastor at First Mennonite Church in Denver.
Jerry Weaver was soon appointed lead pastor and Ann was asked to
continue as the associate pastor. Ann served the church in Denver
until her retirement in 1996. After retirement, she served as interim
pastor for three congregations as well as provided spiritual
direction to individuals. Ann was a current member at New Creation
Fellowship Church in Newton.
Visitation for Ann will be from 3 to 7
p.m. Monday (Nov. 11, 2019) at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton.
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 12, 2019) at
Shalom Mennonite Church in Newton, with Pastor Derick Ramer
presiding.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations
may be made to Mennonite Central Committee or New Creation Fellowship
Church, and may be sent in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
