Anna Mae Held

Anna Mae Held, 95, passed into the loving arms of her Savior at 11:35 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Snyder Village Health Center in Metamora where she had resided the past 10 months. All who knew Anna will attest to her great devotion to her family and her dedication to countless patients in her work as a nurse throughout Central Illinois. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed by so very many.

One of 11 children, she was born Anna Mae Lynn to Addison and Gladys (Riggins) Lynn on a farm in rural Mason County. She graduated from Easton High School in 1949 and then attended Methodist Hospital School of Nursing and Bradley University where she received her Bachelors of Nursing Degree in 1953.

She married Wesley Held of Washburn on January 23, 1954, in Peoria. The couple raised three children in Peoria and Washburn before moving to Washington, Illinois where they lived until Wesley's passing in 2002.

For several years, Anna worked part-time at Eureka Hospital. After she saw that her children were enrolled full-time in school, she began a career at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. She worked in multiple areas of the hospital until becoming the greatly respected Clinical Care Coordinator in the cardiac care ward. She never ceased to study in her field and to bring her knowledge and compassionate care to the patients. She retired from MMC in 1992. Over the years, Anna was often called to aid the sick or those needing medical attention in Washburn. She never hesitated to reach out to offer compassion, assistance, or expertise.

During her working years, Anna was always busy at home, at her children's school events, as a member of the Woodford County Home Extension, or just spending time with her family. Her long days could be exhausting but she hardly ever missed a basketball game at the high school. Due to her tiring work schedule, she was even known to doze off during the games despite the loud crowds. She enjoyed sewing and all kinds of needlework as well as listening to music of many styles. She enjoyed traveling to visit family or to distances much farther away. She was also a gifted seamstress and creator of so many beautiful hand-made items. This was her primary hobby which brought her much joy.

From childhood, she was a member of the Easton Methodist Church and continued to grow in her faith throughout her life, taking part in bible studies at Snyder Village and attending services at the Center. Her faith was displayed to all by her actions and in her love.

She loved her family completely, always making sure they were humble, well cared for, and greatly cherished.

Anna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Wesley (2002), her son, Michael (2017), and brothers, Clair William, Jack, Walter, Robert, Logan, Richard, and James.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Janet Held, who she resided with at Snyder Village; son, Alan (Nancy) Held of Wichita, Kansas; daughter-in-law, Denise Held of Metamora; six grandchildren, Jarred (Kristen) Held, Jenni (Eric) Ford, Andrew (Melissa) Held, Ryan (Grace) Held, Braeden Held, and Lydia Held; eight great-grandchildren, Peyton, Wyatt, Waylon, Krue, Hudson, Ainsley, Cora, and Holly; two sisters, Mary Lou Fehrenbacher (Lincoln) and Linda (Brooks) McDaniel (Inver Grove Heights, MN); one brother, Kenneth Lynn (Springfield); many greatly loved nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews; and every friend who was blessed to know her during her very special life.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Oakwood Cemetery in Metamora. Reverend Gary Salm of Christian Union Church, Metamora, will officiate. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Snyder Village Center immediately following the cemetery service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Anna's name may be given to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America, Attention: Donor Relations, 375 Kings Highway North, Suite B, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or online at https://mymsaa.org. Arrangements are being made through Mason Funeral Home in Metamora and online condolences may be given at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen