Elsie M. “Anne” Iser, 77, of Independence, MO passed away on April 11, 2023. Elsie, who liked to be called “Anne” or “Annie”, was a spitfire of a woman, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother born on September 1, 1945, in Kansas City to Katherine and Raymond Fitzwater.

Flowers are appreciated, and donations may be made to your local foster care organization or to the Alzheimer's Association. 

Anne married her childhood sweetheart, Michael Iser in 1959. They soon had three children of their own: Mike, Michelle, and Melanie. Soon after, their passion for helping families in the community developed into providing foster care for many children over the years in the Kansas City area. Anne entered the workforce after being widowed at a young age, in 1969, when Michael was taken from us. She worked several odd jobs and continued to foster children throughout the years. She later adopted two children from subsequent marriages, Scott, and Damon. 

Anne went above and beyond to bring the community great deals when she opened and ran her own gift shop, Annie’s. Her business, loved by many, started in Kansas City, moved to Raytown, and finally settled in Blue Springs, MO. She would shop near and far to Branson and Eureka Springs to find greeting cards, trinkets, and more, with an ever-changing stock, never knowing what treasures you would find! Anne enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for her family, especially her world-famous noodles and chocolate meringue pie, with a sweet tooth for anything chocolate. She could always be heard belting it out to her favorite songs. Some of her favorite artists were Tom Jones, Alan Jackson, and Loretta Lynn, just to a name a few. Known for being the life of the party, always dancing at family functions and anywhere music is playing. She was passionate about sewing and creating crafts, from quilting to ceramics and making fun chocolate treats, she was the jack of all trades and could always find a way to turn a dollar. Anyone who met Anne, and lived to tell the tale, will never forget her tenacity, wit, and charm. Anne was not afraid to speak her mind and tell you like it is with her six-foot personality. She embraced being independent and frequently moved from place to place, never quite settling down, but everything was always well organized and in its place. We know that she is in heaven enjoying the music while dancing and having a great time.

In addition to her parents, Anne was preceded in death by her loving husband, Michael Iser, and sisters Beverly Nash and Doris Strong. 

She will be missed and survived by her five children, Michael Iser, Jr. (Spouse Debbie), Michelle Reynolds (Spouse Tony), Melanie Smith (Spouse Jeff), Scott Hessefort and Damon Mason (Spouse Paulina); eight grandchildren, (Michael) Stephanie; (Michelle) Jeremiah, Daniel, Katie; (Melanie) Melissa, Johnathon, Joseph; (Scott) Emma; sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Additional survivors include her two brothers, Raymond Fitzwater and Richard Fitzwater, as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and their families.