Anne M. Ancheta

Anne Ancheta was a gentle-spirited woman who passed away on Oct. 13, 2004.

She is survived by her two daughters, Donna Suter and Vicki Nishimura, six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Born in Kempsville, Va., in 1916, Anne was orphaned by nine years of age and raised in the homes of various relatives. She subsequently lived in Virginia, Florida, Illinois and California. She was widowed twice, but enjoyed the warmth of her large family. For 51 years she was a caregiver and housekeeper for a number of families and elderly people. For two decades she did volunteer work in Vicki’s elementary school, becoming "grandmother" to a generation of young children. She also volunteered in a nursing home, church, taught reading to illiterate adults, and read to children in the public library.

California was her home for many years, but in 2002, she returned to Virginia, where she lived with and was cared for by Donna. Here she enjoyed many friendships with the congregation of Gospel Hill Mennonite Church. In her last days, her greatest joy was reading her Bible and the love shared by her family and friends. Known to many as "Mother Anne," her most precious gift was in the loving smile she gave so freely to all who passed her way.

The family will receive friends on Saturday evening, Oct. 16, 2004, from 6:30 until 8 p.m. at the McMullen Funeral Home, Harrisonburg.

A memorial service will be held Monday, Oct. 18, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. at Gospel Hill Mennonite Church. Burial will be private. The Gospel Hill Mennonite Church Ladies Group will host a noon meal for family and friends.

A memorial service will also be held at 4 p.m. on Monday at Village Hall for family and Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Neighbors.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Gospel Hill Mennonite Church Cemetery Fund, 6179 Hopkins Gap Road, Fulks Run, VA 22830, Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hospice, 235 Cantrell Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA, or the Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community Compassion Fund, 1501 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.