Ann Elizabeth James, age 68, of Ionia, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. The daughter of Wesley & Helene (Kuhne) Carder, she was born on June 21, 1949 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Her life was lived in the United States as well as Germany, where she met and married her soulmate Rudolf “Rudi” Feuster on October 1, 1971. Ann was an exceptional woman in faith, love, compassion, and joy. She was an amazing beautician and cook. Her famous German Cheese cake was requested at every get together, event and birthday. Her recipe has been passed down to her daughters with hopes that one day they master it. 

Ann worked hard for many years to provide for her family. She took care of everyone from a very young age and it was no surprise that she found volunteering at the hospital was her true calling in life. She loved the church and gave of her sweet voice in the choir, where she made many friends. Ann loved crocheting, playing the piano and crafts. Her favorite color was most definitely purple. Recently, she asked for golf clubs so that she could spend her time in the sunshine at home. 

Ann’s love of life was infectious. She touched many lives and is remembered with fondness by all. Her kindness and compassion saw no end. Her life was lived with laughter, joy and song.  Ann didn’t view (AML) Leukemia as a disease. She saw it as an opportunity to grow stronger in her faith and relationship with God. She prayed endlessly for her nurses and doctors. She prayed for everyone who prayed for her; no one was spared for the Grace she knew existed. She beat AML and had been in remission for the last 3 months, a victory she rejoiced in. A Special Thank you is being extended by the family to the nurses, staff and doctors at Sparrow in Ionia and Lansing. Tower 5 West nurses and staff grieved along side her daughters who are very thankful for their love and support. The kindness they showed Ann since January was not in their job description, it came from the heart. 

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley & Helene (Kuhne) Carder; her beloved husband, Rudolf Feuster; grandson, Samuel Ryan Brown; and her favorite Aunt, Elisabeth (Kuhne) Branch.

She is survived by her daughters, Monika (Larry) Hartman, of Port Huron, and Petra (Tim) Sivyer, of Ionia; son, Daniel (Marissa) Feuster, of Mesa, AZ; brothers, Michael (Ursula) Carder, of Livermore, CA, Patrick (Karen) Carder, of Phillipines, and Aaron Carder, of Las Vegas; sister, Tessy (Greg) Freeman, of Shawnee, KS; grandchildren, Kristin Brown, Angela and Cole Eichmeier, all of Phoenix, AZ, Steven (Rachel) Feuster-Smith, of Shawnee, KS, Jakob (Devon) Feuster, of Grand Rapids, Aimee Feuster, of GA, Anastasia Sivyer, of Ionia, and Timmy Max Sivyer, of Grand Rapids; five great grandchildren, Jordyn, Charlie Ann, Reagan, Grayson and Ryan; cousins, Alexandra (Adam) Dunlap, of AZ, and Penelope Brickell, of OK; as well as nieces, Tina (Curt) Clayton, DeeDee (Justin) Searle, of Shawnee, KS and Yvonne (Kevin) Brandenburg, of Livermore, CA.

A memorial mass will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at St. Peter & Paul Church, 434 High St., Ionia, where visitation will be held one hour prior to the service and light refreshments will follow. A separate memorial service for the family will be held in Kansas City in October 2017; date to be announced.

Honoring her wishes cremation will take place. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ann’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids.