Anita Darrow

Anita Darrow, 89, of Charles City, passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home in Charles City.

A memorial service for Anita Darrow will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2016 at Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City. The Rev. Jim Beranek from Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City will officiate. Inurnment will take place at Sunnyside Memory Gardens in rural Charles City at a later date.

Visitation will be held at Hauser Funeral Home Friday, March 4 from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the memorial service.

Anita Fern (Pettitt) Darrow, the daughter of Charles and Alethia (Logan) Pettitt, was born near Otranto on Jan. 21, 1927. She was raised near Otranto attending Little Cedar School until moving near Colwell with her family.

She then went to school in Colwell, graduating from Colwell High School in 1946. Anita was united in marriage to the love of her life, Dean Darrow, on Oct. 24, 1948 on her family farm. She took great care of her family and her home, but also worked at the Post Office, Smith Grocery Store and helped deliver flowers for her nephew, Delwin.

Anita was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City. She enjoyed embroidery, gardening, walking, participating in Birthday Club and spending time with her family, especially her loving husband, Dean. A highlight for the couple this past year was being crowned King and Queen for Valentine’s Day at the 11th Street Chautauqua Guest Home Valentine’s Day Party.

Living family members include her husband of almost 68 years, Dean of Charles City; daughter, Deanna (Bruce) Nilges of Elma; three grandchildren: Jason Nilges of Elma, Matthew Nilges of Elma and Kirsten (Kevin) Lang of Garner; one great-granddaugh-ter, Kinley Lang; along with several nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Alethia Pettitt; daughter, Pamela Darrow on Sept. 2, 2014; brother, James Pettitt; and grandson, Douglas Nilges.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Hauser Funeral Home, 641-228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

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