Ann Elizabeth Amies

Ann was born on February 19, 1958 to William and Jean Elaine Amies in Princeton, MN. Ann spent most of her 68 years delighting her family and friends with her sense of humor and sweet, feisty personality.

Ann is survived by her mother, Jean Elaine Amies, siblings John (Karen) Amies, Mary (Roger) Keillor, Carol (Mark) Pavicic, Nancy (Darrel) Rowe, Debbie (Tom) Wright, and Lois (Jason) Bakko, 19 nieces and nephews, and 33 great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Amies.

Mom was 23 years old when she had Ann and Dad was 25 years old; so very young when they had their fourth child and a child with special needs! Mom’s doctor would not let Mom see Ann. He told her that she should not bond with Ann and should put Ann in an institution. Mom and Dad wisely completely ignored this foolish doctor and took Ann home and raised her with the rest of their children.

Ann attended a special program in her formative years and when she was older a program at what is now Anoka Technical College opened up for her, which she loved.

Ann later attended Rise where she met so many staff and clients throughout the years, making friends with many of them.

Ann talked and wrote and verbally interacted with her siblings and friends when she was a young lady. As she aged, she lost some of these abilities, but learned how to communicate with her body language, eye contact, gestures, etc.

Ann lived in several group homes over the years and Ida (Muyinza) Smiar met Ann in the last group home she ever lived in. It was not a great situation and Ida ended up welcoming Ann into her home where Ann lived for nine years, developing a beautiful friendship with Ida and her family. When Ida could no longer care for Ann, Lois and Jason opened their home to Ann and Ann lived with them for 12.5 years until Ann’s death.

Ann was more aware of what was happening and being said around her than people gave her credit for. She picked up on humorous things and loved to laugh.

Nancy and Ann shared a bedroom and at one point Nancy became very concerned about Ann’s salvation. Every night at bedtime Nancy would go to Ann’s bed and preach the gospel to her in a different way in the hopes that Ann would understand. Ann would always say the same thing, “I saved!” in a tone of voice that said, “The matter is settled! Now let me sleep!” Nancy eventually felt that God gave her peace about the matter and she stopped preaching at bedtime, probably much to Ann’s relief!

Ann loved going to church and loved Jesus. She knew John 3:16. She loved singing and spent a lot of time swinging on the swing in the back yard, singing happily.

When Ann and Lois were the last kids living at home with Dad and Mom, Lois would often care for Ann while Dad and Mom went somewhere. Lois has many fond memories of taking Ann with her to her church on Saturday evenings with her two friends, Karen (Hunt) Schultz and Amy Hetland. Ann really enjoyed this outing, which was always followed by going out to eat for supper. All involved knew that Ann needed to sit on the outside seat of a booth, otherwise it was almost impossible to get her to leave! Ann did love food and people!

Ann was such a lovely gift to her family and friends and we miss her so much, but we are simultaneously so thrilled for her current reality, with Jesus, no more pain, no more confusion, no more fear. She is experiencing God’s perfect peace and joy! She is reunited with Dad!

Funeral/Celebration of life services will be held May 1st at Trott Brook Gospel Hall. Visitation 10:30 a.m., service 11:30 a.m., private burial, lunch will be served.

17301 Nowthen Blvd. NW

Ramsey, MN 55303

Flowers can be sent to Trott Brook Gospel Hall in Ramsey on May 1st between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m.