Memorial
Anna Mae Witherell, 95, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 18, 2026 at the Hiawatha Care Center.
Anna Mae was born on August 22, 1930, on her family’s farm in Shellsburg, Iowa, to Everett and Erma Cress. She was the third child of what would become a family of nine children. She grew up on the farm and often shared fond memories of helping her father and tending to chores— making sure the cats got a drink while she milked the cows. Anna Mae graduated from Shellsburg High School and later moved to Cedar Rapids Iowa where lived the remainder of her life.
Anna Mae was a devoted homemaker. She was famous for her homemade cookies which were eagerly anticipated by everyone. Neighborhood kids would gather at her home, waiting patiently for a cookie, and family and friends could always count on leaving with a Ziplock bag full to enjoy later.
Anna Mae was actively involved in her community throughout her life. She was a former member of the Moose Lodge, served as a Cub Scout leader and Den Mother, and was a longtime member of the Shriners Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as chairlady in 1977. For years, she found great joy in sewing Christmas stockings for children at the Shrine Hospital, a tradition that reflected her generous spirit.
Those who knew Anna Mae will always remember her contagious smile and remarkable green thumb. She took great pride in her beautiful flower gardens, spending countless hours weeding them. No weed was ever safe when Anna Mae was nearby. Her daughter fondly recalls going flower shopping with her—only to find Anna Mae pulling weeds from the store displays as they browsed.
Anna Mae is survived by her children, Debra (Roger) McDonald of Cedar Rapids and Gary (Amy) Ellis of Walford; her stepson, Doyle (Louise) Ellis of Ardmore, Oklahoma; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; her sister, Marilyn Kolsrud of Shellsburg, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Vaughn Witherell and Doyle Ellis; her parents, Everett and Erma Cress; two brothers; five sisters; and five brothers-in-law.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Monday April 27, 2026 in the State Room at Cedar Memorial (4200 First Avenue NE Cedar Rapids, Iowa). A funeral service and burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday April 28, 2026 at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family, who will designate a charity at a later date.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and staff at Promise House Assisted Living, Hiawatha Care Center and Hospice for the extraordinary love, compassion, friendship and care they provided.
In keeping with Anna Mae’s spirit, her family shares her words:
“I wish everyone not to cry for me—just get out and pull those weeds and remember my heart is with you all.”