Anne Owens

Eskridge-Anne E. Owens, 87, passed away Friday October 2, 2015 at her rural Eskridge home. She was born September 23, 1928 at La Cross, Kansas the daughter of John "Jack" and Anna Stremel Liston. Annie wore many hats during her lifetime. She was a former American Red Cross Volunteer at Colmery-O'Neil VA in Topeka. She managed and sung in a country and western band. Annie owned and operated an antique store "Country Annie's". She had the honor of being the first woman to graduate from the Manhattan Law Enforcement Academy in 1972 and became the first official dispatcher for the Wabaunsee County Sheriff's office. She was the first woman to become a law enforcement officer of that same county. Annie was a founding member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Eskridge. Annie was also an artist and author, having a book of poetry published titled "Wild Strawberries: poems & drawings. She tried to never miss her family reunion each year as she cared very deeply for them all. She will be missed greatly, May she rest in Peace. Annie was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years "Jimmy"; a brother, John Liston; her son-in-law, Danny Gatewood; four grandchildren. Survivors include her three children, Annie Gatewood, Eskridge, Jackie (Hal) Hutchens, Kingman, AZ., and Jimmy John (Brooke) Owens, Eskridge; two sisters, Susan Horn, Topeka and Helen Horsely, Arlington, TX; four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 23. 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66616 . Piper Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made in Annie's name and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.