Ann C. Hersha

On the evening of Jan. 31, 2026, God completed one of His most beautiful masterpieces. Ann C (Hutchinson) Hersha of Bixby, Oklahoma (formerly of Pioneer, Ohio, Waldron, Michigan, and Broken Arrow, Oklahoma), passed away at home in her sleep while surrounded by family.

And this is her story

Ann was born Sept. 10, 1930, in Waldron, Michigan, to James W. and Alice P. (Gleason) Hutchinson. Her mother passed away when Ann was 6 years old, and her father went on to raise Ann, her sister and her brother.

Ann graduated from Waldron High School in 1948 and married Edward Hersha on Sept. 11 of that year.

Ann was an outstanding mother. As her son Lon once stated; "My mom has 11 children and each one of us thinks we are her favorite." Her presence, gentle smile, wit and wisdom were the salve that healed and encouraged us through the years.

She was also an amazing grandmother, able to stay aware and relevant through changing times. She could cuddle a newborn like no other, run through McDonalds with a tribe of 7 year olds, and speak words of peace to an aching teenage heart.

Ann enjoyed sewing. With eight daughters, she produced numerous Easter dresses and later shared those talents by creating pajamas, outfits and prom dresses for grandchildren. Her cuddles and care extended to her great-grandchildren as well. She smiled happily as she held her newest great-grandson for the first time just a few weeks before her passing.

Ann loved games. Visits to her home always included a game of Scrabble or a hand of cards. She remained a competitive, formidable Words with Friends player until the end. She also loved watching her children and grandchildren compete in sports.

Ann enjoyed her friends and extended family tremendously. Through reunions, Red Hat events, Bible study, games and sight-seeing road trips, she found joy in being with others.

And this is her song

Ann's faith in Jesus was the wind beneath her sails. It began in her childhood at Waldron Wesleyan Church and grew throughout her life-as a pastor's wife, Sunday School teacher, short-term missionary and, in later years, a woman devoted to praying for others from her chair. She wanted to know Jesus more and for others to know Him as well. She thoroughly enjoyed hymns and music of the faith. At the end when family members sang hymns for her; her final request was for "Softly and Tenderly," perhaps that was the way Jesus was speaking to her then … "come home."

And now she is praising her Savior, all the day long.

Ann is survived by her 11 children; Lon (Debbie) Hersha of Hamilton, Indiana, Rod Hersha of Napoleon, Ohio, Beth (John) Wiseman of Defiance, Ohio, Mary (Mike) Thompson of St. Charles, Missouri, Marcia (Wayne) Whitten of Lambertville, Michigan, Mark (Gwen) Hersha of Concord, Michigan, Jill Hersha of North Las Vegas, Nevada, Kris Schoeppey of Bixby, Oklahoma, Kara (John) Engbrecht of Imperial, Nebraska, Erin (Ollie) Treat of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Heidi (Connie) Brown of Lewis Center, Ohio. She is also survived by 33 grandchildren and 56 great-grandchildren.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, James and Alice; her stepmother, Doris Hutchinson; her husband, Edward; her sister, Jane Hanson; her brother, Jim Hutchinson; her stepsister, Barbara Ferris; and two grandsons.

A memorial service will be held Feb. 28, 2026, 10 a.m., at Lakeview United Brethren Church, 4616 E. Territorial Road, Camden, MI 49232. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lakeview United Brethren Church.