Anita Ansley, known as Nita, Mom, Dave’s wife, Mrs. A, Aunt Anita, Ma, Grammy, and Great Grammy, passed away May 20, 2022 after having a stroke. In passing she was surrounded by her loved ones.

Anita was born June 16, 1944 in Oak Grove, Louisiana to Pauline and Charles Corley. The family migrated to Shively in a crowded Studebaker when she was a baby and then to Rio Dell. She spent her early years as a “tomboy,” keeping up with her brothers and cousins, rarely complaining and happy to be included.

She graduated from Fortuna High School in 1962, married David Ansley in 1963, and started a family. As her children grew her roles expanded. She was the bookkeeper for their service station and for her precious brother’s auto shop. She was the special niece to numerous aunts and uncles whom she cared for as needed and into their older years. She was the loving daughter of an amazing mother and Nana who lived with her family for most of their lives.

Anita was a superfun mom to not only her children but to the dozens of kids who spent countless hours at our house eating snacks and drinking Kool-Aid while running around Lawndale, throwing water balloons, playing hide and seek, riding bikes and sleeping over. She was very involved in her children’s school activities and sporting events and never missed a game or performance. Family memories are filled with storytelling, lots of laughter, playing games, picnicking, hot dog roasts at the beach, and gathering for family dinners at 6 p.m. during the week and Bob’s Footlongs on Friday nights. She continued active play with her grandchildren, and in her final few months, she was fascinated by her great grandchildren who captured her heart and brought her joy!

She was a truly compassionate soul — always willing to make time for her family and forever interested in our lives and eager to listen and support, no matter what. She held a special place for so many and will be remembered with love long after her passing.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Pauline and Charles Corley, her brothers Mike (Linda) and Kirby Corley, her husband, David Ansley, and sister-in-law Linda Zollars. She is survived by her sister-in-law Karen Ansley, her children Bryan, Renae (Bob) Will, Kathy (Joe) Vagle, and Debbie (John Haley) Ansley, her special niece Kathryn Corley and grandniece Nova, her grandchildren Melissa Ansley and her son Logan, Marissa (JR) Ambrosini and sons Brady and Benson, David Vagle, and Ryan, Erica and Ally Haley, and her step grandchildren Joelle (Todd) Lemley and children Maddy, Kinsey, and Joseph, and Rob (Silvia) Will and children Natalia, Sergio, Justin, Kaley, Julian, and Alexis, and Cameron Will, as well as many adored cousins, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Providence St. Joseph Hospital and the amazing Hospice team for their compassionate care during her final days. In lieu of flowers please direct donations to Hospice of Humboldt, or reach out to a loved one and take the time to listen with your whole heart.

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