Ann Marie Beach, 82, of Mesick, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, June 4, 2018. She was born June 18, 1935 in Detroit the daughter of Arthur and Doris (Billman) Gustafson.

Ann attended Central Michigan University two years before transferring to Michigan State University to complete her Bachelor of Science degree.

She taught at Mesick Consolidated Schools for five years.

Ann was an active member of United Methodist Church in Mesick, where she served as the organist for many years. She was also a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Kaleva. Ann was civically-minded and environmentally-conscious. She volunteered for the rescue squad and was part of establishing and serving the Mesick Museum.

Ann had an endless energy for life, people and learning their stories. She was an avid reader and began violin lessons in her 60s. She created beautiful things through paintings, decorative displays, potted plants and more. She loved spending time outdoors in any weather swimming, skiing or walking with the people and pets she loved. She was a devoted letter writer. Going to the Post Office always made her happy. She faithfully sewed special need items for her grandson every year.

The most important thing in Ann's life was her family and faith. She will be remembered as a kind and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who left this world a better place than she found it.

On June 20, 1959 in Kaleva, Ann married William "Bill" Beach, who survives her. She is also survived by her children, Mary Ann (Rodney) Hassinger, of Battle Creek, Alice (Gary) Silvers, of Cadillac, and William "Bill" Beach, of Des Plaines, Illinois; six grandchildren; her siblings, John Gustafson, of Ormond Beach, Florida, and Matteas A. Gustafson II, of Monroe, North Carolina; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at the Mesick United Methodist Church in Mesick. Pastor Laurie Koivula will officiate. Interment will follow in Antioch Cemetery in Mesick. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 8, 2018 at the Terwilliger Funeral Home in Kaleva.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Mesick United Methodist Church or to Interlochen Public Radio.

The Terwilliger Funeral Home in Kaleva is in charge of arrangements; www.terwilligerfuneralhome.com.