Ann Arlene (Bogard) McCOY

BOGARD, BORGARD, MCCOY, BAKER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:49

May 26, 1933 --- April 18, 2021

Ann Arlene McCoy, age 87, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, breathed her last and met her Savior face to face on Sunday, April 18th at 6:26 pm.

Ann Arlene McCoy was born in 1933, in Eagle Grove, Iowa to Arlon Opal Bogard and Minnie Viola Bogard. Ann was an accomplished musician. Her training in music began at age two as a method of rehabilitation from a hand injury. She was classically trained in piano and violin and her passion for music propelled her to the position of concert mistress for the Portland Junior Symphony Orchestra. Ann passed her love of music to another generation opening the Little Piano Studio in her home where she taught for ten years. She often used her gifts to glorify God in worship for church services and special events. Her children and grandchildren have fond memories of her playing hymns on the piano at family gatherings.

In 1954, Ann graduated from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon with a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and taught 3rd and 4th grades. She was joined in marriage to Merle McCoy in 1956. Ann dedicated her life to raising their four children, Diane (d.1965), Mark, Michael, and Lynne, using her gifts, talents, and love of beautiful things and the Lord to surround them with art, music and faith. Ann loved to read her Bible. She enjoyed long walks, looking at beautiful flowers and picking raspberries. She was fond of the beach and sinking her bare feet in warm sand. She was a connoisseur of good food and a shared meal. She cherished her family, talking, playing games and laughing together. Ann is perhaps best known for her great faith. She loved Jesus, unequivocally and without question. She prayed fervently for every and all things and prompted her family to do so when there was worry or concern. Ann's faith has influenced the faith and direction of her children and grandchildren and generations to come.

Ann is survived by three children, Mark (and Michelle), Michael (and Luz), and Lynne (and Jeff Baker); and nine grandchildren, Zachary, Tyler and Grant Baker, Connor, Cassidy, Caitlyn, Dillon and Riley McCoy, and Sebastian McCoy; brother, William (Helene) Borgard [Bogard]. She is reunited in heaven with her oldest daughter, Diane Lynn. Ann will be cremated and, after a family service, inurned at Woodlawn Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank all those that cared for Ann at Porter Hills Senior Facility. The employees were more like family to Ann and their love and care is forever appreciated. If one wishes, a memorial contribution may be made to Calvary Church.