Mrs. Anna Marie Hoag, 89, of Wataga, Illinois passed away at 3:38 pm Friday, March 15, 2019 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.She was born September 22, 1929 in Galesburg, Illinois the daughter of George Edward and Mable Irena Peterson Johnson. She married Howard Hoag. Anna is survived by her son, John H. Hoag of Monroe, Michigan; her daughter, Judith “Judy” Burkhart of Missoula, Montana; two granddaughters, Hilary (Ricardo Loera) Fritz of Zellwood, Florida and Jessica Fritz of Wataga. She is preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Benjamin J. Fritz, January 17, 2009. Anna was a teacher in Michigan, teaching English and Michigan History. She served as the cheerleading coach at Ida High School for many years. She graduated from a one room school in Wataga in 1947 and later MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois with a degree in teaching. She was a member of a variety of teacher associations and unions. Anna enjoyed dancing and competed with the Arthur Murray Dance Studio. She loved animals and donated regularly to animal humane societies.
Graveside services are scheduled for 2:00pm Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at Wataga Cemetery with Rev. James Ecklund officiating. Memorials may be made to Knox County Humane Society or Guardian Angel Humane Society. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services are assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com
