Ana Irma Arias

Ana Irma Arias, age 78, of Kalamazoo, passed away March 18, 2023. 

Ana Irma was born June 7, 1944 in Timbio, Cauca, Colombia. She attended high school in Cali, Colombia, graduating in 1962 and continuing her education at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. She was united in marriage to Mr. Hector Arias in Pereira, Colombia in 1964. In 1978, Ana, Hector and their three children migrated to the USA. The family landed in Portage, where they raised their children and owned/operated three restaurants in Battle Creek and Hastings.

Ana Irma was a passionate woman who never knew a stranger. She thrived on giving generously to all who had need, serving family, church communities and friends. Her Colombian cuisine was her signature, loved by everyone! Ana Irma was an avid seamstress, working briefly at a professional level. She derived immense joy from cooking and making dresses for all of her seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. At the beginning of the pandemic, Ana Irma sewed and donated masks for doctors and nurses at local hospitals. In the end, she was the creator of Etsy’s “Surgery Hats By Irma.” Her favorite saying was “There is no one greater than God.” Her final days were marked with peace and joy to finally see Jesus.

Ana Irma is survived by her husband, Hector; three children, Ricardo, Nydia and Ana Maria; grandchildren, Alexandra Packer, Austin Arias, Gabrielle Roehr, Simon Arias, Liam Roehr, Olivia Schrader and Isabela Schrader; great-grandchildren, Cecilia Packer and Finn Packer; sisters, Juana Maria Muñoz and Aura Provancher. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gerald Bryand and Jerlinda Ordoñez.

A private Celebration of Life will be held for family and close friends. Memorial donations may be made to Kalamazoo Gospel Mission (Ministries) 448 N. Burdick St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007 (https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E5802&id=1). 

Personal messages for Ana's family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.