Anna Pakkebier Van Loenen, daughter of Henry G. Pakkebier and Alie Tien, was born on March 4, 1927 in rural Prairie View, Kansas and passed away on March 10, 2013 at the Hays Medical Center in Hays, Kansas.

Anna graduated from Luctor School in 1940 and from Prairie View High School in 1944. Following graduation, she worked at the Wolters' Mercantile in Prairie View. On October 30, 1946, she married Buford Van Loenen at The Luctor Christian Reformed Church. The couple lived on a farm southeast of Prairie View until they moved to Prairie View in 1952. This union was blessed with five children.

Anna went by many names and wore many hats during her lifetime. Her family fondly called her "Mom, Ma, Annabelle, Anna, "27", Grams, Pink Lady, Grammy, Grammy Great and Chuck Wagon. She was deeply involved in homemaking; often sewing dresses in triplicate. Lucky youngest daughter Amy got to wear all three sizes! Her home was always known as Grand Central Station. Anna's children, grandchildren and their friends were always welcome, a pot of coffee always brewing on the kitchen counter, and always room for one more person at her kitchen table. Family and friends provided a steady stream of visits and phone calls.

Buford found success in the construction business because he could always count on Anna, his partner for life, to help him in his business enterprises. In the beginning, she did payroll for the construction company. Later, she ordered oil for the sealing crew, picked up and delivered parts, manned her post at the two-way radio, and kept the books for the farm. She was currently on the Board of Directors of Farmers State Bank and had previously served as chairman of the board.

She and Buford enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Poudre Canyon, Colorado. They especially enjoyed their time together as they traveled to various places around the world. The best and most anticipated destination on any trip for Anna was always the trip "back home". Anna relished the time that she spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the influence she had on them will last forever. Anna felt especially blessed to have had the love and support of her husband Buford for fifty-three years, which included both facing family hardships and celebrating life's successes.

Anna was a great inspiration to her friends and especially to her family. Dealing with the loss of two children, her husband, and the many health issues she struggled with were a test to her will, but through it all, she never lost faith in God. Whenever possible, she still attended church, and if her attendance wasn't possible she watched the taped version of the service.

Anna was the foundation of her family, and took such pride in each member's achievements and growth. No matter the life events, great or small, of those in her family, she was there. She loved being a part of basketball games, school plays, parents' weekends, graduations, weddings and especially the births of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved seeing every picture and watching every video of her family. Her only regret was that she knew that she would not be able to attend the weddings this fall.

Anna made her profession of faith at The Luctor Christian Reformed church, and after marriage became an active member of the Prairie View Reformed Church. She participated in the Gleaners and Dorcas Circles, and was the contact person for prayer chains. She was also a volunteer for the annual Hospice fundraiser dinner.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Henry and Alie; one son, Buford Junior; one daughter, Amy Jeanne; two brothers, Henry and Gerrit Pakkebier; and one brother-in-law, Gerald Van Loenen.

She is survived by one son, Rodger Van Loenen and wife Shirley of Prairie View; two daughters, Beverly Schemper and husband Kenneth of Prairie View, and Linda Levene and husband Alan of Tucson, Arizona; eight grandchildren, Anissa Kats and husband Mark of Prairie View, Beau Van Loenen and fianceé Jenny Noel of Logan, Lee Van Loenen of Kansas City, Shaley Van Loenen and fiancé Bryant Johnson of Clay Center, Heather Boysel and husband Jason of Phoenix, Arizona, Megan Levene and husband Andy McDonald of Seattle, Washington, Rebecca Agnew and husband John of Broomfield, Colorado, and Laura Long and husband Dave of Scottsdale, Arizona; six great-grandchildren, Mara and Tobin Kats of Prairie View, Violet Boysel of Phoenix, Arizona, and Elizabeth, Brendan and Caitlin Agnew of Broomfield, Colorado; one sister, Sylvia Kats of Norton; two brothers, Tenis Pakkebier and wife Jo of Prairie View, and Marvin Pakkebier and wife Nelda of LaCrosse, Kansas; four sister-in-laws, June Van Loenen of Prairie View, Marie Pakkebier of Densmore, Bette Tien and husband Clarence of Prairie View, Marie Hogan and husband Wilmer of Lincolnshire, Illinois; and one brother-in-law, James Van Loenen and wife Barbara of Madison, Wisconsin.

Anna will truly be missed by her family and friends, but all count themselves blessed for having experienced the constant love of this kind and thoughtful woman who was a "fighter" until she drew her last breath and went to heaven to be with her husband, Buford and her children, Junior and Amy. Love you Mom…Grammy…and Grammy Great.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 14, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. in the Prairie View Reformed Church, Prairie View, with Pastor Ian Van Leeuwen officiating. Burial will follow in the Prairie View Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 – 9 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg, with the family receiving friends Wed. evening from
7 – 8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Prairie View Senior Center or Phillips County Home Health.