Anna Sowl

Anna Sowl passed away peacefully the evening of July 15, 2015. Anna was born in Dittlofsroda, Germany on January 29, 1923 to Barbara and Ludwig Knuettel. She was the older of two children. During WWII she was employed as an office worker and was also compelled by the Nazis to work as an aid on a large farm. In 1953 she married Robert Sowl, a US Army Sergeant stationed a few kilometers from her home.

In 1956 the family was moved to Ft. Lewis, WA, only to be reassigned to Germany nine months later, where they spent the next three years. In 1960 the family moved again and returned to Lacey, where they remained and Robert retired from the military. Anna worked for many years in the restaurant at Panorama City. She thoroughly enjoyed the camaraderie and interaction with the residents. After retiring she volunteered for many years at the Fort Lewis Thrift Shop.

Anna was a hard worker, a lover of animals, often known to “rescue” cats and dogs she felt were not properly cared for. She enjoyed having her garden look beautiful. She loved cooking a good meal and often fed anyone who happened to come by – be it “the nice Mormon boys” or the religious ladies who were passing out pamphlets. Anna took pride in her three children and their spouses. She was the proud grandmother of her grandson, Mitchell. Anna was predeceased by her parents, brother Eugene, husband Robert, daughter Monika Simpson, son-in-law Donald Simpson.

She is survived by: her daughter Gertie (Ron) Vannoy; son Pete (Stephanie); grandson Mitchell (Marissa); step grandchildren Corey Paulsen, Pam Jolly, Mike Simpson, Linda Schwartz; numerous relatives in Germany. The family would like to thank Lidia Nutu and her staff for providing a loving, caring home for Anna for the past year; Carol and Connie for the years of in-home care; Vickie Klein for being a devoted, wonderful friend. Remembrances to the Animal Shelter of your choice.

A memorial will be held at Mills & Mills Funeral Home at 2:00pm on July 24th.