Anita Egelhoff

Doris Anita Egelhoff was born in Herndon, Iowa on February 15, 1931. Anita, as she was called throughout her life, was the third of four children of Cleo and Vera Foster. Anita grew up in a close-knit family and was deeply attached to her grandparents, who lived nearby, as well as to her brother Dean and her sisters Arlene and Donna. Along with her siblings, Anita attended high school in Jamaica, Iowa, where she excelled in academics and was a member of the basketball team.

Devotion to church and love of music were instilled in Anita from a young age by her mother, who played piano for the church. She remained active in the church throughout her life, where she taught Sunday school, held various positions, and attended classes. Anita, too, learned the piano, from which she found joy in practicing and enlivening birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings with her lively playing. Love of music endured throughout her life, whether it was taking piano lessons well into her retirement, or sitting side by side with her husband pumping the player-piano.

While deeply committed to her family, Anita developed a strong sense of confidence and independence at an early age. After graduation and a vacation to Colorado Springs, Anita made the decision to move to Denver. Despite her small town roots and lacking any ties to Colorado, Anita boldly boarded the train on her own to begin a new life in the big city of Denver. She first lived alone at the YWCA but soon found work and developed many friends. Her sisters eventually followed Anita to Denver, and the three sisters remained a close-knit family their entire lives.

In Denver, Anita met her husband, Warren, with whom she was married for 69 years. Together they had three children. Anita was a dedicated wife and loving mother. She was devoted to her family and enjoyed raising her children. She was an excellent cook and hosted countless family events at her home. During her life, Anita worked various jobs. She chose to take time off in the middle of her working years to raise her children. But once the children became school-aged, she re-joined the work force with the United States Geological Survey, where she found fulfillment as an executive assistant until her retirement after nearly 25 years of service.

Anita enjoyed a rich and full life. She loved to dance, whether it was square dancing at the local dance club, or performing the tango, salsa, cha-cha, and other ballroom dances at various venues and events. She loved movies and attended the theater. Anita enjoyed travelling. She and Warren took many family vacations, enjoyed cruises, and had a memorable trip to Canada. Anita also enjoyed a special trip to New Orleans with her sister. Her dream of visiting New York City was realized with a trip to the Big Apple with her daughter and granddaughter. San Francisco was one of Anita’s favorite cities that she and Warren visited on several occasions with their good friends.

Upon retirement, Anita remained active. She enjoyed bridge club for many years with her sister. She delivered Meals-on-Wheels and volunteered to visit people in hospice. She enjoyed walking and walked regularly with her husband, friends and neighbors.

Anita passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 19, 2024 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. She is preceded in death by her husband, Warren. She leaves behind 3 children, 8 grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Green Mountain Presbyterian Church or Spring Ridge Park Assisted Living.