Nita was born in Scotia and raised in Humboldt county, growing up in Fortuna. Nita worked at Pam’s restaurant, and her parents’ dry cleaning business Quality Cleaners. She then went to work in Scotia for Coast to Coast /Ben Franklins until the shopping center burned down from the 1992 earthquakes. Nita then found work at Fortuna Ace Hardware where she eventually retired as the paint department manager or otherwise known as The Paint Lady.

She met and married her husband, Ernie Cannady in 1970 who worked as a delivery driver for Quality Cleaners. They married in 1971 and  welcomed their oldest daughter, Michale Hale, into the world. She recently shared that becoming a mother was the most wonderfully terrifying thing she had ever done. Ten years later, her youngest daughter, Kristie Cannady, was born in 1981. 

Nita loved her two daughters, and she was incredibly proud of her grandchildren. When her oldest grandchild, Ethan, was born, she beamed with pride and loved being a grandmother. Next came her only granddaughter Emmalee, followed by grandsons Emmit and Everett. 

Whatever Nita put her mind to, she accomplished it. Twenty-five years ago, she began her Tang So Do journey. She loved martial arts and developed many deep, meaningful relationships with her Tang So Do family. Most probably don’t know that there was a fierce warrior hiding behind that smile.  She broke boards and bricks and competed in Tang So Do tournaments. She worked hard and became a 2nd-degree black belt and loved teaching along with her continued training.

Nita had recently retired and was living life to its fullest. She loved being out on the ocean fishing with her boyfriend, David Smith, who brought her immense joy the last couple years of her life. They made homemade donuts, cookies, baked bread, pressed fresh apple juice, listened to music, took long drives and created much joy together. They truly had a beautiful connection and filled each other’s hearts. 

Nita is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Marcia Selby, and her husband, Ernie Cannady. She is survived by her daughter Kristie, her husband Rio and grandsons Emmit and Everett and her daughter  Michale, her husband Jim, grandson Ethan and granddaughter Emmalee. She is also survived by her siblings Cheryl Cunha, Lynn DiStanislao-Selby, Darryl Selby, and Dorothy (D.J.)  Zimmerman, their families and her boyfriend David Smith along with more friends than one could begin to count. 

The family invites  anyone who would like to come and celebrate Nita’s beautiful life. Please join us on Saturday, June 26, at the Turf Club inside the Ferndale fairgrounds from 1-5 p.m. We are celebrating with a potluck, service and a celebration of her life. Please come and share your memories, joy, and laughter for she is going to be forever missed. 

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