Anna Leah Agniel

Anna Leah Agniel, 93, formerly of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully in Dallas, Texas, on Thursday, August 11, 2016. She was born September 3, 1922, a daughter of Denis and Leah (DeBrun) Hart in Kansas City, Mo. She was married September 8, 1945, in Kansas City, Mo., to Rev. Dr. Harry M (Bud) Agniel, who preceded her in death. Anna Leah was a long time member of St. Peter Church in Jefferson City and was a member of Guadalupe Church Circle, Altar Sodality, Daughters of Isabella and Lady of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher. She chaired funeral meals for six years, co-chaired the first St. Peter's Art and Craft Show - Sale-A-Rama. She and Bud co-chaired Pre-Cana for five years and sponsored a Vietnamese family with the Diocesan Mission Office. She participated with her husband in Diaconate classes and later helped to screen couples being considered for that program. Anna Leah was very active in prison ministry by volunteering at the Renz Correctional Facility and the Patch program (Parents and their Children). She was also a Board Member of the Renz "Chips" program (Challenging Incarcerated Parents and their Spouses), while also volunteering for a halfway house for female offenders. She was active for a number of years in Girl Scouting and was awarded their highest honor, the St. Ann Medal. She was named "Woman of Achievement" by the American Association of University Women. She also received the "Outstanding Alumni Award" from St. Peter-Helias High School. Survivors include two daughters, Rebecca (Randy) Herbert, Union, Ky. and Michele (John) Stephens, Dallas, Texas; three sons, Denis (Sheila) Agniel, Baton Rouge, La., Ted (Donna) Agniel, St Louis, Mo. and Chris (Jana) Agniel, Camdenton, Mo. She was preceded in death by her son, Jim Agniel, who died in 1971. She will be remembered fondly as Grannie Annie by her 23 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren. Anna Leah was born on a sunny day. She always welcomed family, friends and strangers with a smile. She loved visiting, telling stories and jokes. She was not afraid to play practical jokes on Bud and her children, and she accepted theirs with a great sense of humor. She was committed to her faith, family and community. She looked for the good in others and was not afraid to advocate for positive change. Friends will be received from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2016, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Jefferson City. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 26, 2016, at St. Peter Catholic Church, with Msgr. Donald W. Lammers officiating. Interment will follow in Resurrection Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St Peter Catholic School. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com