Gross, Anna P. Hofer (1908-1977)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1977 Feb 17 p. 11

Birth date: 1908 Aug 26

text of obituary:

ANNA P. GROSS

Anna P. Hofer Gross was born Aug. 26, 1908, near Bridgewater, S. D. to Paul M. and Elizabeth Pollman Hofer and died on Jan. 5, 1977, as a result of a heart attack. She reached the age of 68.

In 1926, during revival meetings conducted by Rev. Jacob A. Tieszen, she accepted Jesus as her Savior. She was baptized in July 1927 by Rev. David J. Wipf and served a number of years as Sunday school teacher and superintendent, as well as singing in various church music groups.

Her high school education was begun at Bridgewater High School and was completed at Freeman Academy in 1927. She was anticipating the 50th anniversary with her class this May. She valued Christian education and was instrumental in obtaining Christian education for her children.

She taught school for five years before her marriage to Sam P. Gross on Dec. 20, 1931. They were permitted to share 45 years together. This union was blessed with four children. Our parents lived on a farm southwest of Bridgewater until 1966 when they moved to Bridgewater.

While mother’s formal preparation was in education, she was often called upon to be a nurse. For many years she cared for Grandfather Gross, and for over 20 years she faithfully cared for father. Our concept of mother is someone who was always there when needed and knew what to do.

The last several years her health was such that she was mostly confined to home, yet she kept busy and found many ways to serve.

Her departure is mourned by her husband, three children, Celia of Hillsboro, Kan., Paul and wife Mary Ann, and Ida, all of Bridgewater; two grandsons, three sisters, Justina (Mrs. Paul K. Wipf) of Freeman, Marie Pearl Hofer of Bridgewater, Katy (Mrs. Joe E. Glanzer) of Sioux Falls, three brothers, Dave P. Hofer of Bridgewater, Joe P. Hofer and Jacob E. Hofer of Dolton.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Helen Anne, in 1961; and two sisters, Susie and Elizabeth (Mrs. Jake M. Hofer).

Funeral services were held at the Salem Mennonite Brethren Church near Bridgewater on Jan. 8 with Rev. Phil Glanzer in charge.