Anna Louise Riddering

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Anna Louise Riddering, 70, who left this world so unexpectedly on March 10, 2026, at her home in Barnesville, MN. A memorial service will be held to honor her life on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Dobmeier Funeral Home, Barnesville, MN. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm, and the service will be at 2:00 pm led by Pastor Ali Haugerud from Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at City Cemetery.

Anna was born on December 10, 1955, to Alex and Dorothy Contreras in Florence, AZ, where she grew to adulthood. On November 15, 1975, she married David Riddering in Florence, AZ, after which they moved to Moorhead, MN to begin their lives together. When David finished his education, they returned to Florence for several years before moving to Barnesville, MN, where they raised their family. Anna cherished her roles as a mother and grandmother, finding endless joy in her time spent with her daughters, Trista and Amanda, as well as her beloved granddaughter, Violet. Violet often brightened Anna's days, sharing laughter and hugs—those wonderfully perfect hugs that were just right, not too tight but tight enough to make anyone feel loved. Their bond was a beautiful testament to Anna's affectionate nature and the joy she brought to family gatherings filled with laughter and conversation. Anna touched the lives of everyone around her with her warmth, kindness, and generous spirit. 

Beyond her family, Anna was a true explorer of the mind and spirit. She had a passion for physics and astronomy, and she was always delving into the realms of the mysterious and the paranormal. Her insatiable curiosity led her to learn new languages, including sign language, showcasing her commitment to connecting with others in deeply meaningful ways.

 A lover of all creatures, Anna had five cats who were always by her side, nudging for attention and companionship. She found joy in planting vibrant flowers around her deck each spring, creating a peaceful oasis for herself and the birds and wildlife that enriched her life at her country home. Anna was also an incredibly talented artist whose creativity knew no bounds. She shared her gift with others, teaching them to draw and creating stunning pieces of digital art. Board games and card games were a staple in her household, where hours would fly by as she chatted, joked, and created lasting memories with her family and friends.

Anna is survived by her loving daughters: Trista (Buffy) Riddering and Amanda (Doug) Cox; her beloved granddaughter Violet Cox; and siblings Kathy (Johnny) Juarez and Joe Contreras.

She was preceded in death by her husband David Riddering in 2011; daughter Sherryl Riddering in 1993; parents Alex and Dorothy Contreras; and sister Sandy Wentworth.

Anna Louise Riddering will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.