Anna Louise Riddering

Anna Louise Riddering, 70, of Barnesville, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 10, 2026. Born on December 10, 1955, in Florence, Arizona, to Alex and Dorothy Contreras, Anna grew up in the Arizona desert before beginning a life that would span multiple states and many cherished relationships.

She married David Riddering on November 15, 1975, in Florence. Together they moved to Moorhead, Minnesota, returned to Arizona for several years, and eventually settled in Barnesville, where they raised their family. Anna found her greatest joy in her roles as mother and grandmother. She delighted in time spent with her daughters, Trista and Amanda, and especially in the company of her granddaughter, Violet, whose laughter and perfectly warm hugs brought her daily happiness. Their bond reflected Anna’s affectionate and loving nature, which filled family gatherings with conversation and laughter.

Anna possessed a restless and curious mind. She held a deep passion for physics and astronomy, explored topics in the paranormal, and learned new languages, including sign language, in her desire to connect meaningfully with others. She was a devoted animal lover who shared her country home with five cats. Each spring she planted colorful flowers around her deck, creating a peaceful space for birds and wildlife. A gifted artist, Anna expressed her creativity through drawing and digital art, generously teaching others and filling her home with board games and card games that fostered hours of joking, talking, and lasting memories with family and friends.

She is survived by her daughters, Trista (Buffy) Riddering and Amanda (Doug) Cox; her granddaughter, Violet Cox; and her siblings, Kathy (Johnny) Juarez and Joe Contreras. Anna was preceded in death by her husband, David Riddering, in 2011; her daughter, Sherryl Riddering, in 1993; her parents, Alex and Dorothy Contreras; and her sister, Sandy Wentworth.