Anita Leona Evans

Anita is survived by her husband, Richard Evans, her children, Dale Wheatley, Allison Evans, and John Evans, her grandchildren, Cole Wheatley, Tara Wheatley, Hailey Smith, Aimee Evans and Kylie Evans, and her younger sister, Mary Frances Cobbs. She is preceded in death by her son, Jonathan Smith, her granddaughter, Daneka Wheatley and her older sister, Betty Jo Claussen.

Anita was born on August 26, 1939 in Grapevine, Texas to Roscoe and Ella Waggoner.

The Waggoner family later moved and settled in California, and Anita graduated from Garden Grove High School in 1957. She married Joseph Wheatley in 1959 and they welcomed Dale into their home. Later, she married Richard Evans in 1985 and together they raised Allison. Over the years she worked as a real estate agent and a loan officer. Her children remember her as a loyal mother who encouraged them to pursue their goals and live by faith in the Lord.

Anita was an active and lively person who loved animals-especially dogs and horses. She was an involved member of two Corvette clubs: Pomona Valley Corvette Association and Corvettes for Fun. She also enjoyed helping as a poll-worker on election days and as a judge for the Claremont High School Theatre Department. As a follower of Jesus, Anita was passionate about missions and sharing her faith with others. She was a dedicated member of several different Southern Baptist churches in the Southern California area and often served in women’s ministry and Vacation Bible School.

A private funeral is scheduled for Thursday, September 10 at noon at Draper Mortuary in Ontario and a graveside service at Oak Park Cemetery in Claremont at 1:30. A reception will follow at the Evans home. Pastor Nathan Neighbour will officiate the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Samaritan’s Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org in Anita’s name.