Annleete Kaeff

Annleete "Anne" Jeanette (Howard Wright) Kaeff, 89, of Covington, KY, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at home, surrounded by her close family and friends.
Annleete was born in Charleston, WV, to Billye (Steele Atkins) and Malcolmb Howard on September 25, 1936. She attended Holmes High School and graduated in 1954. She went on to study at Asbury University. After college, she held positions at General Motors Auto Insurance and Provident and Central Trust Banks. She served as an elected member of the Covington Independent School Board in the 1980s. Annleete was a member of the Eastern Star and the Kentucky Colonels.
Her most cherished work was as a homemaker, affectionate mother to her four children, and doting grandmother to her many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took immense pride in maintaining her inherited historic home and serving her local community.
Annleete was goodness exemplified, the true definition of generosity of spirit. No one in her orbit was a stranger-outsiders were new friends, neighbors were treated like kin, and her family was the cornerstone of everything she did. Her great deeds were recognized when she was presented with the Heart of the Community award in 2019 by the Center for Great Neighborhoods in Covington, KY.
She battled a tremendous amount of adversity during her life, from being widowed at age 33 with young children to beating 6 different types of cancer. She was a fighter and a strong, resilient woman. There was never a hardship that could weaken her determination, her grit, or diminish her faith in God.
Annleete's beautiful life was shaped and defined by her deep and abiding Christian faith. She attended several local churches and enjoyed quiet reflection with the Lord at the Garden of Hope and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, KY. Everyone who crossed her path felt the impact of her wisdom and compassion. She had a remarkable gift for connecting with people across faiths and making a meaningful difference in their lives. One of Annleete's favorite quotes was, "The love you have for God is measured by the love you have for the one you love the least."
Annleete is survived by her husband, Walter Kaeff of Covington, KY, her children: Becky (David) Wolnitzek, Bill (Kathy) Wright, Marvin Wright, and Chris (Dana) Kaeff; ten grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Billye and Malcomb Howard; late husband Marvin Wright; late brother Aaron T. Howard; and her dear pet cat, Buddy.
Memorial donations may be mailed via USPS to "The Garden of Hope", 699 Edgecliff Rd., Covington, KY 41014.
Interment of ashes will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in a private ceremony for family. A celebration of life will be held at a later time.
Don Catchen Funeral Home is assisting the family.