Anastasia Kathryn DeShais

Anastasia Kathryn DeShais, a 28-year-old born and raised in Sterling, Michigan, passed away on September 29, 2025, in Mandalay, Myanmar. She was the only daughter of Mitchell and Nancy (Ostroski) DeShais.

Throughout her life, Anastasia dedicated herself to volunteer work within the ministry as a Jehovah's Witness. Upon graduating at the age of 16, she acquired the ability to communicate using sign language and embarked on a full-time ministry career. Her mission was to impart the biblical message of a promising future on our Earth, envisioning a paradise as God originally intended in the Garden of Eden. She devoted her time to the volunteer ministry, supporting herself as an elementary school teacher in Myanmar. Additionally, she engaged in online teaching of English to individuals of diverse foreign languages and recently transitioned to teaching Myanmar infants and toddlers English. Since the age of 15, Anastasia has been invited to various Bible education schools to enhance her teaching skills in conveying biblical truths to those seeking knowledge. Over the past decade, she resided in Myanmar, initially in Yangon and subsequently in Mawlamyine. Recently, after completing her training at the New Zealand School for Kingdom Evangelizers, she was assigned to Mandalay, Myanmar, where she continued to serve in the ministry of teaching the Bible and providing support to the people of Mandalay following the devastating earthquake that struck in March 2025. Her efforts also include assisting in the establishment of a new congregation.

Anastasia was renowned for her selflessness, consistently prioritizing the well-being of others and refraining from seeking assistance in return.

She is survived by her parents, Mitchell and Nancy (Ostroski) DeShais, her older brothers, Cory (Sarah), Jeshua (Kendra), Nicholas (Anngelina), Gabriel (Danielle), her cherished nieces and nephews, including Nick, Cody, Charalina, Addalina, Ellie Jayne, Tanner, and her beloved dog, Aero. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph and Eleanor (Syrokosz) Ostroski, Duane and Joyce (Trombley) Mikkola, and Homer DeShais as well as her Aunt Patricia Ostroski and Niece Jazzelina DeShais.

A memorial service will be held on October 26, 2025, at Standish Sterling High School Auditorium at 6:00 p.m.