Anita Ellen Borchardt

Anita was born on March 8, 1931, in Cooper County, Missouri, to Claiborne Wherley Cline and Gladys Cline. She graduated as Valedictorian of Otterville High School in 1949. A talented and well-rounded student, Anita was active in the school chorus, band, sextette, Hilltop Echo staff, and also served on the student council, and lettered on the women’s basketball team,

In 1949, Anita moved to Kansas City to begin work at the Internal Revenue Service, where her life would soon change forever. While shopping at her local A&P grocery store, she met Harold Borchardt, store manager. The two quickly fell in love and were married on February 18, 1951, beginning a partnership that would last 54 loving years.

Anita and Harold shared a deep love of travel and took great joy in attending their grandchildren’s activities. She devoted herself to raising their three sons—Larry, Jeff, and Marty—staying home with them during their early years before returning to the IRS, where she completed a total of 20 years of service before retiring.

Anita’s faith was central to her life. She was baptized at Otterville Presbyterian Church on October 24, 1943, and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on September 18, 1955. As a longtime and devoted member of Peace Lutheran Church, she found joy, meaning, and community through worship, outreach, and friendship.

She was an avid reader, a passionate gardener, She enjoyed the company of her church group and card club friends, and was a rabid Kansas City Chiefs and Royals fan.

Anita is survived by her sons, Larry (Nancy), Jeff, and Marty; her grandchildren, Lisa, Jason, Colin, Miles, and India; and her brother, Charles Cline.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harold, her parents, and her brother, Bill Cline.

A visitation will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 8240 Blue Ridge Blvd, Kansas City, Mo, on Thursday May 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 am,, service at 11:00 am, luncheon will be served immediately afterward. Anita will be laid to rest in Lansing, Kansas at Mount Muncie. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church, in honor of Anita’s lifelong commitment to faith, family, and service.