Missouri Rep. Annie Reihart dies

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Rep. Annie Reinhart has died after a battle with cancer, state House officials said Wednesday.

Reinhart, a Republican from Liberty, had been undergoing treatment for more than a year. She died late Tuesday. She was 61.

Reinhart was first elected to the House in 1996 and was completing her final term as a state representative for a district that covered part of Clay County. She also served as the House majority caucus secretary.

"Annie Reinhart was a strong person in the very best sense of that word," House Speaker Catherine Hanaway said. "She had a strong commitment to her family, to her faith and to her principles. During some of the most difficult times for members of the House, personal or professional, Annie Reinhart was the person they would turn to."

Reinhart was born in Mobile, Ala., and graduated from Pine Bluff High School in Arkansas. She also attended the Brown School of Business. She had worked at times as a pharmacy technician, book buyer, office manager and secretary.

Reinhart leaves behind a husband, Mike, four children and eight grandchildren.

Visitation was scheduled for Thursday evening at St. James Catholic Church in Liberty, with the funeral planned for 2 p.m. Friday at The Rock of Kansas City Church in Kansas City.