Anna Folkerts, 83, of McPherson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026, at Cedar Ridge Long Term Care Facility, surrounded by her loving family, just one day before her 84th birthday.
Anna was born October 1, 1942, in Dyersburg, Tennessee, to Dean and Esther (Newell) Toothaker. She graduated from Manhattan High School in Manhattan, Kansas, and attended Clark School of Business in Topeka, where she became a Certified Shorthand Reporter. She worked as a freelance court reporter in Salina before accepting a position in Great Bend, where she met the love of her life, Wendel Folkerts.
Anna and Wendel were united in marriage on August 5, 1967, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Together they shared 55 devoted years of marriage until Wendel's passing.
After raising her family, Anna returned to school and furthered her education at Barton County Community College and Colorado Christian University, earning a degree in Human Resource Management at the age of 48.
A woman of deep faith, Anna faithfully served her church and community throughout her life. While her children were at home, she taught Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and middle school Bible studies, and prepared church newsletters and bulletins for two congregations. She later wrote and led Bible studies in her home and church, seeking to help others understand God's grace through Jesus Christ and their identity in Him. Anna was a longtime member of Women's Aglow and served as a guest columnist for the McPherson Sentinel from 2008 to 2012, sharing encouraging, faith-centered articles.
Anna also dedicated 17 years of service to the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, holding several leadership positions before being recognized as a Lifetime Member.
Family was one of Anna's greatest joys. She treasured family gatherings, studying God's Word, and sharing praise and worship with her daughters and granddaughter, Katlyn. She enjoyed coffee and conversation with friends at the YMCA and New Hope Evangelical Church, loved animals, watching football, and was known for her warm spirit, steadfast faith, and genuine interest in others.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Wendel Folkerts; her parents, Dean and Esther Toothaker; her sister, Dee Kitterman; and her son, Oliver Murdock of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Anna is survived by her children: Bret Folkerts of Hays; Chad (Lori) Folkerts of Rush Center; Jeni (Terry) Hanken of McPherson; and Jill (Mark) Reifschneider of McPherson; her grandchildren, James (Sara) Folkerts, Jenna (Chris) Reynolds, Cole (Madelynn) Hanken, Trey Hanken, Drew (Kariana) Hanken, Katlyn Reifschneider, Jack (Christyna) Reifschneider, and Bo Reifschneider; and her great-grandchildren, Isabella, Everett, and William Folkerts, Oliver and Owen Reynolds, Liliana Keller, and Elsie and Bennett Reifschneider, with another great-granddaughter expected in December. She is also survived by her beloved brother, Roger (Cindy) Toothaker of East Windsor, New Jersey; her sister-in-law Karen Cannon; and brother-in-law, Gerald Folkerts; and by many treasured cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at New Hope Evangelical Church in McPherson at 11:00 AM, on Monday, October 12, 2026. A private graveside service will be held at Peace Lutheran Cemetery near Albert, Kansas.
Anna's unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, sweet spirit, and enduring love for her family will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
Memorial contributions may be given to New Hope Evangelical Church in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut Street, McPherson, Kansas 67460.
Personal condolences may be sent to the family at www.stockhamfamily.com.