Anna Cooper Cook Olinger was born April 10, 1872 near Manhattan, Kansas, the daughter of Hugh F. (1822-1901) and Anna Barbara (Cook) (1837-1910) Cooper. She married Stanton Olinger, with whom she had three children: Barbara (1900-2000), Davida (1902-1991), and Dwight (1907-1984). In the early years of their marriage, the Olingers moved between Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska as Reverend Olinger took on differing ministerial appointments. From 1911-1917 the family lived in Lawrence, KS while Stanton served as student pastor at the University of Kansas.

The Olingers returned to Lawrence in 1921 after the death of Anna's husband Stanton. Anna Olinger served as house mother, associate director, and in other roles at Westminster Hall and for the Westminster Association. The Hall served as a Presbyterian meeting place for students at KU and also served as a female residential hall at a time when female students had few housing options.

Anna Olinger celebrated her 100th birthday in 1972 and died at the age of 102 on October 19, 1974.