It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anna Marie (Manas) Riva on June 9, 2026, at the age of 88. Anna will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Anna leaves behind her children, Bruno (Ashley), Angie (Daryl Craypo), Loretta (Marvin Berg), Dora (Troy Naber), Frank (Marney), and Tina (Sheldon Taylor). Her beloved grandchildren are Crystal, Shelly, Shawna, Tammy, Keekee, Chad, Mikaela, Matthew, Priscilla, Silina, Tiera, Alysha, Tiffany, Alanna, Frankie, April, Shondra, Jordon, and numerous great-grandchildren.

Anna was born August 11, 1937, in the German speaking village of Slankamen, Yugoslavia, modern day Serbia. Life changed drastically when World War II forced her family to flee to Europe where she attended Culinary School just before her family immigrated to Canada in 1956. Once there, the family worked various jobs on a Saskatchewan farm with Anna cooking, being a nanny, and learning English.

Just down the road she caught the eye of a handsome young dairy farm worker, Paul Riva. He grew up in the Black Forest in Germany, and they shared common interests which became dreams for their future.

They married on March 23, 1957, and moved to Brooks, Alberta where Paul worked on Harry Veiner's farm and eventually moved to Rolling Hills when they purchased their own farm. This is where the six children were raised and attended school.

Shortly after arriving in Rolling Hills, disaster struck one foggy morning, when their house burnt down after a stork built a nest in the chimney. By the time Paul came out of the barn, having just started his chores, the house was gone. They lost everything but were happy to escape with their lives. This was a big setback. Soon friends and the Rolling Hills community joined to help rebuild and establish a new home for the family.

The Riva's attended the Rolling Hills Church of God, a small country church, where they heard the Gospel of Jesus. "Momma told us, in everything you do, always put God first. In life, the order is faith, family, friends, then the farm."

Their mixed farming operation focused on raising pigs, which in the 90s had its struggles. While Paul focused on the farm, Anna did the gardening, cooking, baking, chickens, and geese. Her house was always in order, and if you hit your visit just right, her famous sourdough buns, apple strudel, Black Forst cake, and potato dumplings were a treat shared with numerous friends. "We will always cherish the memory of the great cook that you were."

Anna, or Annie, as she was affectionately known, had a vivacious outgoing personality. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She could take a plain outfit, jazz it up with a ribbon or a flower and look like a movie star who walked off the cover of a magazine. Her beauty remained with her even in her last days.

Annie and Paul eventually retired in Hays, Alberta. It was there that her love for flowers blossomed as their yard became a flourishing flower garden. She also planted and watered flowers at the local store, spreading joy and brightness in her community. In 2002 Paul passed away, which left a big void in Annie's life.

Then along came Karl Wiebe, from Rosemary, whose spouse had also passed away. As her husband, Karl gave Annie stability and calmness and was a wonderful chauffeur and companion to her. He was a kind, loving, thoughtful man that came with an extended family. Thank you to Karl's adult children as they accepted and appreciated Annie. This includes Leo (Donna), Mariette (Frank), Linda, Cathy (Gerald), and Lawrance. Karl passed away in 2007 while on a life's-dream mission trip to Africa.

Annie always wanted to help those who crossed her path. Her life was an example as she displayed how to love one another, pray for the sick, feed the hungry and help the poor. Having lived through a world war, immigrating to a new country, and other challenges, made her a strong person, but she was always loving, kind, and hardworking. These qualities have been instilled in her children and grandchildren.

Anna's children would like to say, "Thank you Lord for giving us such a wonderful, sensitive praying mother. She taught us to be humble, love, pray and forgive! We will always love you and miss you dearly. Above all we thank you for your love, grace, and faith in God. We love you Momma. You were a blessing from God.

The family would like to thank and express their gratitude and appreciation to all the wonderful staff on the 4th floor of the Lethbridge Hospital and Cedar Creek Lodge.

The funeral service for Anna Riva will be held Saturday, June 27, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at the Rolling Hills Senior's Centre. Interment at Rolling Hills Cemetery. Rev. Debbie Daniels officiating.

In lieu of flowers please donate to a Food Bank or Women's Shelter of your choice.