Anna Marie Grinder, age 82 of Waverly, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at Life Care Center in Carrollton. Born on March 4, 1941 in Waverly, Missouri to Charles, Sr., and Mary (Tomlin) Layton, Anna was a loving and gentle soul who touched the lives of many.
Anna was a proud graduate of Santa Fe in Grand Pass, Missouri, Class of 1959. After graduation, she worked briefly for Olan Mills Studios, and then dedicated approximately twenty years of her life to the Bank of Waverly. Her professional journey continued at the Alma Farmers COOP as an Office Manager, where she served for another twenty years before retiring in 2003. She was a dedicated member of the Assembly of God Church in Waverly, Missouri until her health no longer allowed her to participate. Anna married Bob Grinder, and they later parted ways.
In her personal life, Anna enjoyed a range of interests. She was an avid fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals, and could often be found cheering on her favorite teams. She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved Yorkie, Felix. Anna’s nurturing spirit was evident in her role as a caregiver for her parents. She also liked to cook, and enjoyed helping her mother prepare holiday meals each year for the family to enjoy.
Anna’s thoughtfulness extended to her crafting; she crocheted a baby blanket for every new baby niece or nephew, a testament to her love for her family. She cherished the relationships she had with her nieces and nephews and maintained a calendar with all their special occasions. It was a tradition of hers to send a birthday and anniversary card to each family member, a gesture that spoke volumes about her caring nature.
Anna is survived by her brother, George Layton and wife Bonnie of Waverly, Missouri, Alice Leasure and husband Wayne of Greentop, Missouri; two sisters-in-law, Sharon Layton of Waverly, Missouri, and Frances Layton of Lexington, Missouri; one Godson, Jacob Wetmore of Seattle, Washington; and a host of nieces and nephews who adored her; and her beloved Felix.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Mary Layton; two brothers, Bill Layton, and Charles Layton, Jr.; one sister, Mary Jane Bollmeyer; three nieces, Kym Leasure, Kirsten Wrisinger, and Shawnna Layton; and one brother-in-law, John Bollmeyer.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m., on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at Bittiker Funeral Home, 1201 North 65 Highway, Carrollton, Missouri.
Funeral Services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Pastor Jerry Curry officiating.
Burial will be in Waverly Cemetery, Waverly, Missouri.
Anna’s life was a testament to her loving, thoughtful, and gentle nature. Her memory will continue to inspire and uplift those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution, the family respectfully suggests St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. They may be left at or mailed to Bittiker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 223, Carrollton, Missouri, 64633.
Please share your condolences with the family by visiting www.bittikerfuneralhomes.com and click on the obituaries link