Anna M. Whitford

Anna Whitford Obituary

Anna M. Whitford Battle Creek Anna M. Whitford, 85, of Battle Creek, passed away Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at Calhoun County Medical Care Facility. She was born February 4, 1924, in Davison, MI, the daughter of Franklin D. and Clara (Crosby) Tharrett. Anna went to school in a one-room, country school in Davison. Anna had lived in Pontiac, Battle Creek, El Cajon and Santee, California. She was actively employed for many years with General Motors in Pontiac, Convair Aeronautical in San Diego, CA, as an apartment manager in El Cajon, CA, and was the only female manager of the Santee, CA drive-in theatre. Anna was also active in the VFW as president and served on the ladies' auxiliary. In her spare time, Anna enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, gardening, cooking and baking. Her special talents include knitting sweaters and sewing shirts as a seamstress. She also enjoyed traveling and seeing new places and had a great love for her friends and family. Anna married Mr. Donald G. Whitford on February 11, 1975 in California. He survives her. She is also survived by her stepdaughters, Tracy L. Weiland of Arizona and Debbie R. (Kevin) Cools of Washington. One of seven children, Anna is also survived by her sister, Betty Louise Williams of Harrison. She also leaves twelve stepgrandchildren and several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews with whom she was very close. She was preceded by sisters Ruth, Hazel and Lila and brothers John and Charles. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Royal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2009 at Royal Funeral Home. Interment will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial contribution may be given to the Alzheimer's Association or Calhoun County Medical Care Facility.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Mar. 27, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Anna Whitford

2 Entries

Jenise Furman

March 31, 2009

This may be a duplicate posting...
Those memories locked deep within each one of us can never be erased, they may fade with time but they never fully go away. This allows us to pull on those memories anytime we need the little extra "boost" in our everyday lives....the little private smile. I will miss running into Don and Ann at our favorite restaurant or our crazy and extremely loud family gatherings. To my Aunt Jean, I want to say-- you have been a good and faithful servant and that has not gone unnoticed. The big guy (aka THE LORD) up there is aware of all you have done and sacrificed for those you love. I know you don't do it for the pat on the back...it is just who you are. You are simply one amazing woman. God bless everyone and remember this is not the final farewell.

Debra O'Connell

March 30, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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