Anna Fay Hutchens

ANNA FAY HUTCHENS

March 28, 1929 - January 13, 2025

Anna Fay Schwietert was born on March 28, 1929 in High Hill, Missouri to her loving parents Walter and Flora Schwietert. She often reminisced about her childhood on the farm, eating homegrown food, doing farm chores, and watching the baby animals as they grew. Fay frequently spoke about her companion, Rowdy, her faithful dog. She also shared stories about her long walks to a one-room schoolhouse through sun, rain, and even snowy conditions.

At the age of 14, Fay faced a life-altering accident while helping her father plow the fields. Her horse broke free from its harness, dragging her a great distance and severely injuring her leg. Doctors believed amputation was the only option, but God provided a doctor who was willing to try a new procedure. The surgery was a success and Fay’s leg was saved, strengthened by a silver plate. Fay always said she was "silver plated" and loved sharing the story of God’s protection on her life.

Fay completed her 11th year of high school in Missouri before moving to California, where she attended Biola University. She spoke fondly of her choir’s singing tour across the United States and Canada. Music became an integral part of Fay’s life. She went on to teach piano to her many students, play the piano in church, and sing regularly in the church choir. Even in the last year of her life, her family enjoyed hearing Fay play the piano at her residence.

In 1953, Fay began dating Warren Hutchens. Warren was a widower with a three-year old daughter named Karen. The romance blossomed and they were married September 18, 1953. Karen was always thankful her dad made such a wonderful choice and always considered Fay her mom. In August 1955, Donald Edward joined the family.

Fay was a devoted wife and mother and with her husband, brought their children up in the Christian faith. The family enjoyed numerous family trips and reunions as well as weekly church activities.

Fay and Warren enjoyed memorable trips to Hawaii and other beautiful destinations, often attending Pearl Harbor Survivor reunions and dinners together. Fay enjoyed her special times with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, working on puzzles, making crafts, sharing stories while looking through her many photo albums. In addition, she shared her beautifully written poems and sketches. Throughout her life, Fay faithfully kept a journal, read her Bible daily, and participated weekly in church services and prayer groups. Even in her later days, Fay enjoyed writing in her journal, reading the newspaper, and doing word search puzzles to keep her mind active.

Fay eagerly awaited her heavenly home, while trusting the Lord’s timing. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. On Monday, January 13, 2025, Fay Hutchens took her final breath on earth and entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior for all eternity.

Fay was preceded in death by her husband Warren with whom she shared 55 years of marriage, and her beloved son Donald. She is survived by her devoted daughter Karen and son in law Donald Bayne; grandson David; granddaughter Donja and her husband Tim Arkell; and her great-grandchildren Alyssa, Ashlyn and her husband Gianluca Luchetta, and Aidan.

We take comfort in the sweet memories Fay has left behind and the promise of being reunited with her one day in heaven. Her legacy of love, faith, and strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Fay was laid to rest beside her husband, Warren Hutchens at Riverside National Cemetery.

A Memorial Service for Fay will be held at Hope Lutheran Church on Sunday, February 23 at 1:30 PM (Hope Lutheran 13841 Milton Ave, Westminster, CA 92683).