Anita Ellen (Smith) Freeman, 70, of Tecumseh, passed away Thursday, February 8, 2024.
She was born July 15, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas, the daughter of Eugene and Mary (Ausherman) Smith. She graduated from Highland Park High School in 1971.
Anita had a creative mind. Crafting came very natural to her. She enjoyed putting together all sorts of crafts throughout her life. She even had the help of her husband, Steve on some of the latch hook crafts. Her and her sister enjoyed antiquing. She also liked to go to auctions with her family.
She was a lover of all animals. She was a rescuer of animals, from cats to dogs to donkeys. Her love for helping and rescuing animals was passed down to her oldest daughter, Jandi.
She enjoyed being outside in her garden and camping. She also enjoyed watching KU Basketball and the Chiefs. Her love for being outside continued with her grandkids. Over the last few years she took them out fishing on her new pontoon boat when she could.
Linda Troupe (Curtis)
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Anita. I will be keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers
James Olliso
So sorry hearing Anita passed away we all grew up together in Highland Park , Alums from Highland Park North elementary, Highland Park Junior High , and HPHS and several Class reunions she was part of organizing keeping us all connected. My condolences to Steve and all family members Rest in Peace Anita.
Sherry Hein (Hernandez)
I am very sad to hear of Anita's passing. I share a love of animals with her and I'm happy she passed that love on to her grand child. RIP Anita. You will be missed by many.Deborah Holmes
Anita and I grew up two doors apart and attended all schools together, until graduation. This news saddens me. Condolences to her family.
Becky Dick (Henry)
I remember walking to HPJH with Anita, Deb Holmes, and Carol Brock. We were so young. ❣️
Eileen Moorehouse
Memories of Anita are from our times together on drill team and post-game gatherings. I always thought of her as a really nice person with such a sweet smile and will always remember her that way.
Susan Cole (Berry)
I met Nita when we were assigned the same Foods Table our junior year of High School. 15 years later, our oldest daughters were in an all city choir. The last 10 years Anita and I worked together and managed to stay in touch even working remotely. I last touched base with her at Christmas with a text and was so pleased when I got a phone call back. She fought for life and I know her family will miss her every day.
Terry Bevitt
This is sad news. I also remember Anita throughout the years. She was always kind and positive. My condolences to her family and friends.Joy Krivjansky (Piepmeier-Michaelson)
My memories of Nita started with Drill Team tryouts and lasted the rest of our lives. Nita was such a loving and giving person always thinking how she could help.
I moved from Topeka several times but we always stayed connected. Many years and laughs have been shared over our 55 year friendship. Her beautiful smile and readiness's for adventure will always be remembered. Many a weekend, Steve had no idea that Nita and I were waiting for him to get home from work (my family lived across the street from the Freeman's) as soon as Steve would get home and would be working on his 57 Chevy, Nita and I headed outside to wash my dad's car. Over time Steve and Nita started dating and the rest is history!
The biggest compliment I received from Nita was after her sister went through her divorce, Nita Connected us up. Nita told Jeannette, Joy can be your wingman (woman) from that point on Jeannette her best friend Sandy and I became the three musketeers doing things crazy single mom's do! That friendship continues to this day! The miles between our homes and heart have not come between us.
As Nita was battling her last cancer, she put her fight aside and would text checking on me and my battle and offering her tips from her battle, she never complained or shared how much pain she was in. Nita was an angel on earth who in my mind gained her wings all to soon. RIP Nita, until we meet again
Love you sister, Joy 😘