JASPER - Lydia Anne Sauder Siegrist, 88, died peacefully on Sunday evening, May 1, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at the home of her son in Turin, New York.

Anne was born on April 26, 1934, in New Holland, PA, the daughter of the late Jacob Paul and Alice (Shenk) Sauder. She married Elmer Donald Siegrist on August 21, 1954 in Mount Joy, PA. Anne lived in Jasper, NY, from 1964 to 2022.

Anne attended Eastern Mennonite College, and after raising her children, completed her Bachelors with emphasis in creative writing from Empire State College in 1989.

Anne was a correspondent/ stringer reporter and photographer for the Hornell Tribune and the Corning Leader from the late 1960s through the next two decades. In the early 80s, the Leader featured the "Jasper Journal," Anne's monthly column that captured her wit and practical outlook on the challenges of parenting and farm life. She worked as a teacher's aide at Jasper-Troupsburg Central School from 1990 until her retirement in 2001.

Anne loved singing with her family, baking, gardening, canning and writing. Anne's original prose, poetry and photographs were published in numerous publications including Gospel Herald , Country Folks , Missionary Messenger , Writer's Digest , The Secret Place , and Story Friends . Her children's story, Zucchini Summer, was published in 2013. Anne volunteered as a coordinator for the Fresh Air Fund child visitation program. Later she volunteered with the Compeer Program of Steuben County, making weekly visits to senior citizens.

Anne was a member of West Union Mennonite Church, West Union, NY, from 1957 to 1982. She was a member of Independence Gospel Fellowship, now Chenunda Creek Fellowship, from 1982, when Don began serving as pastor, until her death. Anne taught summer Bible School for many years.

Surviving Anne are her husband, Don; their six children and spouses: Denny (Jeanie) of Fort Mill, SC; Judi (Jerry) Stahly, of Atmore, AL; Ken (Dawn) of Ephrata, PA; Brian (Cheri) of Turin, NY; Deb (Ken) Harrison of Lancaster, PA; and Karen (Tim) Lehman, of Lancaster, PA; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and sisters-in-law Geneva Sauder and Myrtle Sauder.

She is predeceased by her brothers, John, Joe, Bill and Don Sauder; and sisters-in-law Vickie Sauder and Grace Hall.

Anne donated her body for research.

Persons wishing to donate in Anne's memory may send a check to Chenunda Creek Fellowship, PO Box 729, Andover, NY 14806. Inspired by Anne's love of flowers and gardens, a memorial garden will be established at the meetinghouse. Please indicate 'memorial garden' on the check.  A memorial service will be held at the church on Sunday, August 21, 2022.