Age 82, died Thursday, November 13, 2014 in Chelsea, Michigan, where she was a resident of the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born May 11, 1932 in Three Rivers, Michigan, the daughter of Russel P. Breyfogle, Sr. and Bertha Elizabeth (DeBoer) Breyfogle.
She was a graduate of Three Rivers High School and the School of Education of the University of Michigan. She studied Christian Education at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and received a D.Min. degree from McCormick Theological Seminary. In 1987 she was ordained a minister in the Presbyterian Church.
As a teacher, Christian educator and pastor, Anna Marie felt a special calling to ministry to children and families. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she taught elementary grades in the demonstration school of Sue Bennett College in London, Kentucky, where she mentored college students preparing to be teachers. She later served as Director of Christian Education for the Engelwood Methodist Group Ministry on the South side of Chicago, where she was part of an inclusive ministry in a racially changing neighborhood. She also was called to be Director of Christian Education, and then Associate Pastor, of the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. As Director of Christian Education, she trained and mentored teachers for the Sunday church school, and directed a comprehensive program of Christian education for children, youth, and adults. In retirement, she served as Associate Pastor of the Dexter United Methodist Church and as Parish Associate of St. Timothy’s Presbyterian Church in Livonia, Michigan.
During the years when she was a stay-at-home mom, Anna Marie was active at Bach Elementary School as a classroom and math-lab volunteer, and as a teacher, deacon and elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor.
She is survived by her husband, Ronald Austin; a daughter, Mary Austin (Carl Smith) of Huntington Woods; a son, Stephen Austin (Anna Parise) of Ridgeway, WI; and a daughter-in-law, Laura Dresser of Madison, WI. She was preceded in death by a son, David Austin. She is also survived by a sister, Evangeline Hoffmann (Fred) of Cincinnati, OH; two brothers, William Breyfogle (Ruth) of Kalamazoo, Russel Breyfogle, Jr. (Susan) of Columbia, MO; by several nieces & nephews; and by four grandchildren, Galen Austin, Lucy Smith, Alyssa Austin, and Nelson Dresser.
A memorial service was held Monday, Nov. 24, 2:00 pm, at the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. Burial of her ashes will be in the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Gardens. The family has suggested that memorial gifts may be made to the mission program of the First Presbyterian Church of Ann Arbor. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.