Anna V. St. John, age 93, a beloved resident of Sturgis, MI, passed away on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo, MI. Born on August 13, 1930, in Lycoming County, PA, she was the daughter of the late Alvin and Leona (Lyons) Milheim. Anna’s journey through life included two marriages. She first tied the knot with Irvin Ryder on Aug. 4, 1950, and they shared a life until his passing on Feb. 11, 1974. Later, she found love again and married Edgar St. John on Oct. 5, 1974. Unfortunately, life presented its challenges once more when Edgar passed away on May 20, 1984.
A Sturgis Resident and Community Member
In 1974, Anna made Sturgis her home, relocating from Turbotville, PA. Her contributions to the community extended beyond her household as she became a valued member of Sturgis Hospital’s Dietary Department. Anna’s community engagement did not stop there; she was an active member of the V.F.W. Ladies Aux. and Sturgis Eagles. Additionally, she found joy in the sport of golf.
Cherished Family and Precious Memories
Anna’s legacy lives on through her family. She is survived by two daughters: Kathy Persing of Sturgis, MI, and Shirley Yancey of Williamsport, PA; two sons: Glenn Milheim of Kansas and Jeffery Ryder of Sturgis, MI. Further, she leaves behind a son-in-law, Greg Cordero of Williamsport, PA, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Charles Milheim, her brother, and various nieces and nephews also mourn her passing. Anna was preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, a daughter named Faye Cordero, her brother Alvin Milheim, and sister Mabel Sones. Their memories, along with Anna’s, create a tapestry of a life well-lived and a family deeply connected through time.
Gathering to Celebrate a Remarkable Life
The family has arranged a time for friends and relatives to pay their respects. On Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM, the doors of the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, located at 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, will be open to those who wish to share their condolences. A service commemorating Anna St. John’s life will follow the visitation at 2:30 PM, officiated by Pastor Ryan Bibb of Radiant Life Church. The ceremony promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a woman who touched the lives of many.
Final Resting Place
After the service, interment and graveside services will take place in Oak Lawn Cemetery. The family suggests memorial donations to be directed to them, and envelopes will be available at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes. The responsibility of these arrangements has been entrusted to the caring hands of the Hackman Family Funeral Homes. As we bid farewell to Anna V. St. John, we honor a life filled with love, laughter, and a profound impact on the community and those fortunate enough to have known her. May her soul rest in eternal peace. Anna V. St. John, a beloved resident of Sturgis, MI, left behind a legacy of love and kindness when she passed away on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on August 13, 1930, in Lycoming County, PA, Anna was the daughter of Alvin and Leona Milheim. Her upbringing in Pennsylvania laid the foundation for a life marked by resilience and compassion.
Marriage and Family
Anna embarked on a journey of love and companionship, first marrying Irvin Ryder on Aug. 4, 1950. Together, they shared joys and sorrows until Irvin’s passing on Feb. 11, 1974. Undeterred by grief, Anna found love again when she married Edgar St. John on Oct. 5, 1974. However, fate had other plans, and Anna faced another loss when Edgar passed away on May 20, 1984. Despite the heartaches, Anna’s spirit remained unbroken, and her capacity for love continued to touch the lives of those around her. In 1974, Anna embraced a new chapter in Sturgis, MI, leaving behind her roots in Turbotville, PA. She became an integral part of the community, contributing her time and efforts to Sturgis Hospital’s Dietary Department. Anna’s commitment to service extended beyond her professional life; she was an active member of the V.F.W. Ladies Aux. and Sturgis Eagles, embodying the spirit of camaraderie and support.
Passions and Pursuits
Among her many interests, Anna found joy in the simplicity of golfing. Whether it was a leisurely round with friends or a competitive match, the greens provided a sanctuary where Anna could unwind and revel in the beauty of nature. Her love for the sport mirrored her approach to life—focused, determined, and always ready for the next challenge. Anna’s presence enriched the lives of all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, survived by her daughters, Kathy Persing and Shirley Yancey, and sons, Glenn Milheim and Jeffery Ryder. Additionally, she is remembered fondly by her son-in-law, Greg Cordero, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Charles Milheim, and numerous nieces and nephews. While Anna may have departed this world, her spirit lives on in the cherished memories and lessons she imparted to her loved ones.
Celebrating a Life Well-Lived
Family and friends will gather to honor Anna’s memory on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes. Visitation will be held from 1:00 2:30 PM, followed by a service officiated by Pastor Ryan Bibb of Radiant Life Church. Anna’s final resting place will be in Oak Lawn Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband, Edgar St. John. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family, a testament to the profound impact Anna had on those around her.
As we bid farewell to Anna V. St. John, we hold onto the memories of her laughter, her kindness, and her unwavering spirit. Though she may be gone, her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come, reminding us all to live each day with love, resilience, and grace.
