Anna Lea Roediger

Anna Lea Roediger, 92, formerly of Mayetta, KS passed away due to complications from COVID-19 on Friday, September 4, 2020 at Aldersgate Village, Topeka, KS.

Anna Lea was born Dec 9, 1927, in Wakefield, KS. As a young child, she was baptized at Sts. John and George Episcopal Church in Wakefield, KS. She graduated from Longford High School in 1945 and moved to Mayetta the following year with her parents and sister Jacque. In the early 1960's, Anna Lea served as an American Red Cross "Gray Lady," a program which provided additional support to healthcare workers in hospitals and other facilities. As a Gray Lady, she assisted school nurses at the elementary school for English-speaking children in Soesterberg, Holland. Over her lifetime, Anna Lea worked in various positions for the state of Kansas and for the federal government. Prior to her retirement, Anna Lea worked for the Farmer's Home Administration office in Topeka, Kansas as an administrative professional. Anna Lea was a 50-year member of the Mayetta Chapter of the Eastern Star.

Growing up on her family's farm, Anna Lea developed a love for animals, especially dogs, cats, and horses. Anna Lea was a lifelong avid reader. She loved dancing, listening to music and singing. A highlight of her love of music was seeing Elvis Presley in concert in the 1960's. Anna Lea loved to travel abroad and across the United States. During her years as a military spouse, she had the wonderful experience of living in Taranto, Italy; Soesterberg, Holland; and Wildenrath, Germany. Anna Lea loved Tucson, Arizona, and upon retirement, would spend every spring and summer at her home there, coming back in time for Kansas State Football and holidays with family. Anna Lea had a strong interest in genealogy and traced generations of her family back to England and Germany. She developed friendships via the postal service with distant cousins she met during her research. Anna Lea loved to follow politics and never missed voting in an election. She loved spending time visiting and helping friends and family, attending school events of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, planting trees wherever she lived, flower gardening, feeding birds and stray cats, eating at diners, and shopping.

Anna Lea was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Doris (Adams) Roediger of Mayetta, and husband, Maj. Carl Wright, of Tucson, AZ. Survivors include sons Charles Forster of Oregon, and Les (Sally) Roediger of Mayetta; daughters Kathy Kyser of Hutchinson, and Aleah (Mike) Mahan of Paxico; sister, Jacque Hegemann of Hoyt; 8 grandchildren, Amanda (Bill) Mansfield, Dylan (Sandy) Hill, Sarah (Avery) Frantzen, Jeff Kyser, Mike (Danielle) Kyser, Erin (Chad) Harris, Kara (Chris) Love, and step-grandson Michael (Jana) Mahan, 15 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held. Inurnment will be in the Mayetta Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to honor Anna Lea's memory may be sent to Shooting Star Equine Rescue, 10527 SW Indian Hills, Wakarusa, KS, 66546; or to the Topeka Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 8350, Topeka, KS 66608 or online at .

Dove Southwest Chapel is assisting with arrangements. To leave a special message for the family online, visit the guestbook below.