Ann Marie Church, age 76, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Toni and Trish House in Auburn, MI surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 16, 1947, in West Branch, MI, to Guy and Carmella (Gardner) Shiel. She lived in St. Helen, MI for her entire life.
Ann attended Roscommon High School, graduating with the class of 1965. She furthered her education at Northern Michigan University and Saginaw Valley State University, earning a bachelor’s degree. Ann’s career began at Kirtland Community College, where she worked at the child care center. She later pursued her passion for social work and joined the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) as a CPS Worker in West Branch and Grayling. Additionally, Ann served as a Trustee on the AuSable Township Board in Roscommon County.
Ann was an active member of St. Helen Community Baptist Church, where she dedicated her time to various church activities. She also volunteered as a scout leader and participated in the St. Helen Little League programs when her sons were young. Ann had a fondness for collecting frogs and antique picture frames. She also had a passion for music. She played the french horn, alto sax, and the harpsicord. She was part of the high school marching band that was invited to play in the Rose Bowl Parade on two occasions. Ann also sang for years in the church choir and directed a variety of musical puppet shows. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and attending family gatherings.
Ann is survived by her sons: Scott (Kelly) Church in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, Graham (Melissa) Church of Saginaw, MI, and Clay (Ami) Church of Swartz Creek, MI; grandchildren: Emerson, Narls, Abigael, Taylor, Graham, Callie, Andrew, Shane, and Sydney; great-granddaughter: Eliana; brother: Donnie (An Sun) Shiel of MS; and sisters: Sue (Jerry) Hughes of Lewiston and Kay Shiel of St. Helen; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, Gary Church, in 1976, and her brother, Gary Shiel.
Visitation for Ann will take place at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen, MI, on Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Helen Community Baptist Church, with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. Pastor Ken Peterson and Pastor Dustin Pickens will officiate the service. Ann will be laid to rest at Richardson Cemetery in Roscommon, MI at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Helen Community Baptist Church and Toni & Trish House, PO Box 125, Auburn, MI 48611.
Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen www.steuernolmclaren.com.
May her soul rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all those who knew and loved her.
