Anna Ropp (1904-2005) was raised in Missouri and left home in 1927 to enroll in the Mennonite Hospital School of Nursing in Bloomington, Illinois. A non-traditional student, Anna had already worked for several years before attending nursing school.

Anna graduated from nursing school in 1931 and began her nursing career as a ‘private duty’ nurse. Working around the clock, she cared for patients with tireless dedication. Anna is best known for her role as relief day supervisor, a position she held at Mennonite Hospital for 22 years. Those who have known Anna professionally are quick to comment about her eye for detail, her ability to run many parts of the hospital operations, her high level of energy and her ever present black book. When Anna’s work day ended it began again at the family farm. Her perfection extended to her care for her family and home. Anna was known as an outstanding cook and baker, gardener and neighbor. Those who lived close by occasionally requested her nursing care and kindly called her ‘Doc'. Anna actively served her church and community.

Although she retired in the early 1970’s, Anna continued to volunteer until she was in her late 90’s as a charter member of the BroMenn Service Auxiliary. Anna Ropp passed away on June 9, 2005 and is buried in the Ropp family cemetery in Hudson, Illinois.

These handwritten diaries have been transcribed by Anna Ropp’s son, Paul Ropp. Each of the transcripts can be viewed or downloaded as a pdf format.

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