Anna K. Still, 79, Kearney, Mo., passed away peacefully on March 22, 2017, with her husband of nearly 60 years, Charlie, by her side. She was also surrounded by many loving family members and friends.
Anna was no stranger to hard work, starting as a young child on the farm in Rollshausen, Germany, to becoming a cook at the Blind School there as a young woman. During W.W.II an American GI stole her heart and whisked her off to the USA in 1962. She continued as a cook, most memorably for the Kearney, Mo., school district from 1978-2000, a couple different diners including Clem’s Cafe, and of course for her large family.
She doted on her kids, daughters, Annie Madsen, Susie Reineke, Camille Houghton and Chrissy Morford, and a son, Harold Still, by whom she is survived. There is no greater evidence of her strength than the fact that she raised that brood into productive adults.
Her true joys in life, though, were her grandchildren, Madeline, Ricky, and Katie of Utah, and Clara of Missouri, and baking. If you never tasted one of Anna’s cinnamon rolls, you have regrettably missed out on one of the true wonders of the world. She was also a Lutheran.
She loved springtime, when the days would finally warm and get longer and her flowers bloomed. Anna did not know a stranger, and if you happened across her path you actually became more like family.
Anna was strong, up until the very end, and will be remembered for her great life force and spirit.
A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Oak Lawn Cemetery, Cainsville, Mo. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Adair County Humane Society, P.O. Box 481, Kirksville, MO 63501 or St. Luke’s Hospice House.
Arrangements are through Fry-Bross and Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney.
Our Sincere Condolences
I am so sorry to hear of Anna’s passing. I taught at Kearney Elementary and remember her as a bright spot in my day. She cared about the students and teachers alike. Not only will I remember her cinnamon rolls but also her homemade spaetzle as well. They excelled any I have ever eaten since. Rest in peace Dear Anna.
Renee Wilding
I have such fond memories of Anna as Harold’s mom (I was one of his teachers) and a cook at the now Hawthorn School. My husband would eat lunch with our daughter Sydney every chance he could just to partake Anna’s cuisine. How lucky you have all been to have her as a part of your life. Hang on to the memories and keep smiling as I know she would want you too.
JoAnn Houston Rennack
