Anna Elizabeth Griffith

Anna Elizabeth Griffith, 91, of Brecknock Twp. passed away unexpectedly on July 17, 2021, in her residence.

She was the loving wife of Gene A. Griffith who passed away on January 13, 2016. They were married on November 22, 1952, and enjoyed over 63 years of marriage.

Born in Reading, she was a daughter of the late Anthony Andrew and Euphemia Elizabeth (Lebo) Tylka.

She was a graduate of Shillington High School in 1948 and the Lutheran Hospital of Maryland School of Nursing in Baltimore in 1951.

Anna, known as "Liz" to some, was a registered nurse for St. Joseph's Hospital from 1952-1955 and served in the same capacity from 1981 until her retirement in October of 1994. After her retirement she worked part-time for Mifflin Center from 2002 until 2006.

She was a longtime and active member of Allegheny United Church of Christ, Alleghenyville, where she was a deacon and the first female president of the consistory from 1976 until 1984. She was a Cub Scout leader, a life member of the Brecknock Fire Co. and the Nurses Alumnae Association of Lutheran Hospital of Maryland. Anna was a member of the American Red Cross from 1978 to 1988 and was the minority inspector of elections for Brecknock Twp. A longtime volunteer she gave of her time at the Brecknock School Library from 1961 to 1998, as a bird counter at Nolde Forest State Park, for Western Berks Ambulance Association and for Meals on Wheels from 2002 until 2008.

The matriarch of the family, she will be missed dearly by her beloved family. The world is a better place due to her impactful 91 plus years with all of us.

Anna is survived by six loving children: John A., married to Sheri Griffith, Carlsbad, CA; Debra J. Schmehl, Denver, PA; Donna E., married to John Ford, Alleghenyville; Doreen E., married to Barry Troutman, Knauers; Denise J. Bellwoar; Whitefish, MT; and Dr. Jerry A. Griffith, Big Rapids, MI. There are 11 grandchildren: Lauren E. Griffith; Jonathan R., married to Nicola Griffith; Michelle A., married to Salvatore Raccuglia; Dr. Daniel J., married to Dr. Deanna Ford; Kevin M. Ford, married to David Barnhart; Kristin L. Schmehl; Keith J., married to Theresa Schmehl; Kurt A., married to Alisha Schmehl; Erica Marie Troutman Dunkelberger; Jessica M. Bellwoar; and Vincent J. Bellwoar; and ten great-grandchildren: Joseph J. Raccuglia, Anna M. Raccuglia, Thomas G. Raccuglia, John G. "Jack" Ford, Norah J. Ford, Benjamin D. Ford, Max A. Griffith, Harper M. Barnhart, Amelia S. Barnhart and Hudson A. Schmehl.

She was predeceased by one sister, MaryJane Tylka Barrasso in 1999.

Services will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at Allegheny United Church of Christ, Alleghenyville with burial to follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Contributions in Mrs. Griffith's name may be made to Friends of Nolde Forest. Condolences may be expressed at www.kuhnfuneralhomes.com.