Ann (Grettenberger) Shaver

As a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she lived a life filled with love and joy. Her close-knit family brought her tremendous pride and happiness. She was surrounded by that family when she was reunited with the love of her life, Darwin “Sy” Shaver, at the age of 84.

Ann was born on August 12th, 1941 to Orin and Laura Grettenberger in Okemos, Michigan. Her early years were spent taking care of her animals at what is now the Pilgrim House Furniture Store, showing horses and being part of the Okemos 4-H club, helping her parents at the Grettenberger Pharmacy, cheering on her Dad’s racehorses, and spending countless hours with friends and family at the cottage on Houghton Lake.

Ann graduated from Okemos High School in 1960 and went on to attend Michigan State University and received her degree in teaching. This is where she first met and fell in love with Sy. They were married in the summer of 1964.

She spent three years teaching 3rd grade at Midway Elementary School in Holt. Though her time in education was short, the impact she had on her students was anything but. Even decades later, her past students recalled that Ann was a kind and fun teacher. Ann left the classroom to help her father with his new business venture. The company, which provided flavoring oils for baking and candy making, was named after Ann and her mother - LorAnn Oils.

Together Ann and Sy continued to build upon the Grettenberger harness horse racing legacy. They won numerous awards for their accomplishments, including induction into the Michigan Harness Horsemen’s Hall of Fame. Just as importantly, they laid the groundwork for future generations of Shaver horse enthusiasts. Ann loved horses nearly as much as she loved cats. She had countless cat-themed socks and sweaters and shared her home with many four-legged family members over the years. Most recently her adopted kittens, Pinky and Sweetie, who never left her side.

Traveling was another thing that Ann enjoyed. She and Sy were fortunate enough to see the world, sometimes with their entire family in tow. They especially liked exploring other countries, where they always brought back a commemorative ornament for their Christmas tree. Whether at a hole in the wall restaurant, or on the front porch of their home, they loved nothing more than having a glass of wine together.

Ann leaves behind daughters, Beth (Carl) Thelen and Laura (Chris) Perniciaro; granddaughters, Shelby (Kyle) Schittenhelm and Sarah (Alex) Piette; and great-grandchildren, Max and Lily Schittenhelm and Tripp Piette.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Lansing, Jackie Hebden, and Katie Kimble for all the love, care, and support that was given to Ann in her final days.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM at Gorsline Runciman East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Lansing or The Capital Area Humane Society in Ann’s memory.