Anita Irene Cochran, born Anita Irene Burke in Vernon, TX December 16, 1940 to Ida Mae (Nina) and Harvey Lee Burke. She graduated from Vernon High School in 1959. That year she was crowned Yellow Rose of Texas and Band Sweetheart. She then went to college/nursing school in Lubock, TX. While in nursing school she met and married Robert James Cochran on March 10, 1962. She continued her education in Larned, Kansas receiving her RN license. Early in her marriage she worked for the hospital as an RN. When her children were born she stopped working for a while to stay home and raise her 4 daughters. When her youngest was in elementary school she returned to work. She worked as a school nurse for the duration of her career. At this time she went back to school to obtain her school nursing credential. She was hired first with Merced City School District working at Sheehy and Ada Givens Elementary Schools. This is where she was given her title of Nita Nurse. Several years later she began working for Merced County Office of Education. She began at Shelby School working with special needs students. Later she traveled daily to schools throughout Merced County. She also spent many years as the nurse for Camp Green Meadows and The Merced Marching 100. She retired from MCOE as a school nurse. She loved all children and touched the lives of many throughout her career. She made many lasting friendships while working as a school nurse. Nita Nurse will always be a known name to many in the Merced area. In addition to her career she was also involved in the U.S. Air Force Officers Wives Club, Merced Marching 100 nurse and band booster and Girl Scouts. Anita was a member of Yosemite Church of Merced. After retirement she had the opportunity to travel with her husband Jim. They also enjoyed time outdoors on their pond. Although her last 4 years were very difficult due to a stroke. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, skyping with her daughter’s family that lived in CO and looking at pictures of her grandchildren and great grandchildren on Face Book. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Anita Irene Cochran is preceded in death by her parents, Harvey Lee and Nina Burke as well as her brother Haley Dean Burke.
She is survived by her husband, Robert James Cochran, children Deborah Lynn (Chuck) Hoag, Angela Dawn Cochran, DeeDee Cochran (Jeff) West and Donna Kay (Shawn Dale) Evans. She also leaves behind her brother Jimmy Lee Burke as well as her grandchildren, David Hoag, Danielle Clamp, Michelle Hoag, Kaden Cochran, Joshua Clamp, Bryce West, Miranda Barber and great grandchildren, Jordyn, Bentlee, Remy, River, Kaitlynn and Gunner.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street Merced, California with a reception following services at Stratford Evans Reception Hall.
Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.
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