Anna Mae VanDeraa, age 90, a resident of Wheaton, IL, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, May 30, 2015, in Wheaton. She was born on July 15, 1924 in Lansing, IL to Nicholas and Jenny Persenaire.

Anna grew up in Lansing. Married on August 26, 1944, she proudly told everyone that she was "married to John VanDeraa for 68 years". They lived for over fifty years in her beloved Wheaton, which she called the "Center of the World". She was an amazing wife and mother and grandmother. She was known for her hospitality and would welcome all of her guests with "Darling, where have you been?" Upon leaving her house she was known to say "Walk with the King today and be a blessing!" She loved Moody Radio and it was often heard in her home at a high volume. She busied herself serving at church where she taught Sunday School. She also ministered as a Gideon, handing out Bibles. She was a member of the Wheaton Bible Church where she prepared and served the punch at VanGuard dinners and also headed up funeral luncheons for years. Anna had a way of making her family and friends all feel loved.

She is survived by her six children, Dale (Barb) of Arizona, Nicholas (Ethel) of AZ, John (Annette) of St. Charles, Robert (Naomi) of Arizona, Celeste Kesler of West Chicago, and Elizabeth "Lisa" (Kent) Love of West Chicago; 14 grandchildren, Julie (Mark), Kathy, Susan (Daryl), Dale (Bekah), Catherine, Alec, Andrew (Nadine), Abigail, Nicholas, Tyler (Erin), Benjamin, Joseph, Collin, and Noah; and seven great-grandchildren, Jillian, Jaden, Anna, Thomas, William, Elizabeth, and Rhett; one sister, Jean Helmus.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John VanDeraa; two sisters, Gertrude and Betty.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Wheaton Bible Church , 27W500 North Ave, West Chicago, IL. Friends may visit with the family from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at Wheaton Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be directed to The Gideons International , P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214.