Anita Louise Rhodes

Anita Rhodes, “Nita,” went joyfully into Jesus’ arms on August 25th, 2024, at the age of 87. She finished her race with such peace, and now has her voice fully restored, confident that she is worshiping and singing so beautifully again.

Gone before her are her parents Edwin Roembke and Pauline Dannettelle; her brother Edwin “Eddie” Roembke; and sister Paulette “Susie” Johnson.

Anita is survived by her children, Brenda Eden (Joe),  Gail Harrison (Dave), Terry Rhodes (Brenda), Michele Hartman (Tim), and Julie Dickinson (Craig); her 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and recently welcomed her first great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by her brother David Roembke (Theresa), and her sister Nina Bonham, and many nieces and nephews.

As the oldest of five, Anita was born in Beechgrove, Indiana. She often spoke of her beautiful, movie-star loving mom and adoring dad, wanting to tag along on his dairy milk delivery truck. Known for her determination and adventurous spirit, she darted off to Illinois to marry her first love, Wayne, whom she met at a roller rink. In 1954, when the Army relocated them to Colorado, Anita was enamored with the beautiful mountains only to return many years later to make it her final home. Through the years she embraced adventure wherever she lived, basking in the beauty of the flora and beaches of Hawaii, to hiking, skiing or becoming a hot air balloon chaser in Colorado.

Anita received her Associates degree at Blair Business college and challenged herself working in computer software and administration. Mary Kay cosmetics was her passion in encouraging other women that they are beautiful, and YES, she earned the car! Anita was a cancer survivor, and learned God loved her through the compassionate support she received. She was strong in every season through Christ, often known for praying, singing in church choir, playing piano, hands lifted in praise. Even with the use of only her left hand after a stroke in 2014, many remember her hand high and lifted up!

Mostly Anita loved being with family and would light up with her bright smile in playfulness and laughter, especially with her sister and all of the grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, pinochle and Tupperware parties, leading exercise class. Through seasons of change as a single mother, Anita remained determined and learned to lean on the Lord growing in His love and care for her, strengthened in character in perseverance and unwavering hope.

The Celebration of Life is September 6th at 12pm: The Springs Funeral Services, 4310 Austin Bluffs Parkway 80918. Private Burial is 10am: Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, 80903 Reception is 2pm at Sunny Vista Living Center, 2445 East Cache La Poudre, 80909. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to crossfireministries.org.

Our family deeply appreciates the many who loved, prayed, visited and cared for Anita, including staff at Sunny Vista Living Center, over the past 10 years.