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Anna Davis Obituary

Anna was born in Tremonton, Utah to Vern and Alma Theurer and died in her home in Paradise, California on November 12th, 2012 of cancer. She is survived by two of her five siblings: Verna and Rosalyn. Anna graduated from Utah State University and taught English at the University from 1946 to 1949. After marrying George Davis (from whom she was later divorced and who survives her) and having three children, she earned a special education degree from the University of Utah in 1957. She taught English and special education in Paradise schools from 1957 to 1984. After retirement she studied German and Italian at Chico State University.
Of utmost importance to her, she is survived by her three children: Linda Davis-Reed (Randy), Susan Davis and Robert Davis (Debbi); and three grandchildren: Amelia Yonan (Clint), Colin Davis and Grant Reed, all of whom made her life a joy and pleasure. She was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Kelsey Marie and Kyle Davis.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Gold Nugget Museum at P.O. Box 949, Paradise, CA 95967 or the Paradise Center for Tolerance and Non Violence at PCTN, 6023 Skyway, Paradise, CA 95969 or Paradise Hospice at 1289 Bille Road, Paradise, CA 95969.
Those of you who know Anna well will not be surprised to know that she wrote her own obituary above. Her children and grandchildren would like to add some details to her characteristically straightforward approach to her own death:
Mom was an incredibly intelligent, fiercely independent and hard-working person with a great sense of humor. Among her multiple talents, we will always cherish her ability to parent, grandparent and to make us laugh. Her children had a loving but independent childhood, always knowing she was there for major issues, but knowing the small issues were ours to overcome. We loved growing up in our big old house in Paradise that was much older than Mom and where Mom lived from the age of 33 to 89. She brought magic to mundane experiences (sourdough bread in the shape of alligators for Sunday dinners and panoramic eggs at Easter are just two examples). She brought this same sense of magic to her grandchildren who love her dearly and who are her most ardent supporters, as well as to her students, whom she taught in Paradise schools for 27 years. She loved teaching and is still remembered fondly by many whom she taught.
In her later years Mom got a lot of pleasure from her involvement with the Gold Nugget Museum, particularly the Days of Living History. She loved helping many Paradise children learn to bake bread in a wood-burning stove, giving them the satisfaction of having created something delicious and useful. She made many good friends in her involvement with the museum and was impressed by the talents of many of the volunteers.
Mom sincerely believed that everyone wants to be a productive person with a sense of self-respect. To that end, she supported causes supporting those goals. She was filling her grocery bag for "A Simple Gesture" and making donations to various causes right up until her death. She will be terribly missed by us all, though we will have a lifetime of humorous stories with which to remember her.
A celebration of Anna's life will be held on Monday, December 10th, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. at the Gold Nugget Museum. In lieu of flowers Anna would want you to send donations to The Gold Nugget Museum, Paradise Center for Peace and Non-violence or Paradise Hospice. The addresses are listed above.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Paradise Post from Nov. 15 to Dec. 14, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Anna Davis

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Catherine Burke

June 20, 2013

I studied Latin with Anna at Butte College. After the first couple of semesters, we were the only two in the class. She was such a kick and always had amusing stories to tell. I have very fond memories of her. =^..^=

November 23, 2012

Having known Anna for nearly 5 decades, I have many fond memories of her as I was growing up. She and her family were an integral part of my childhood. After returning to Paradise in 2002, I became especially close with her as I tried to keep her computer functioning as she finished drafting her 200+ page memoir of family stories, which I continue to read and enjoy. All who knew her were keenly aware her immense talents. She had a never-ending curiosity and zest for life. The world would be a much better place if we more folks like Anna.

David Drake, Tampa , Florida

Debbie (South) Stamper

November 20, 2012

I'll never forget receiving the most awesome alligator bread when I was home sick with the chickenpox in the first grade! Also she let me play Romeo in our 8th grade English class rendition of Romeo and Juliet. I still remember my lines. You touched so many lives and you will never be forgotten.

Bonnie Drouillard class of 1972

November 19, 2012

Ms. Davis was one of my teachers at Paradise High. R.I.P. Ms.Davis you were the best teacher. Bonnie class of 1972.

Julie Moore (Yonan)

November 17, 2012

Having just heard today of Anna's passing today I was immediately saddened. Although I did not know her well, I do know the impact she made on her family. Not many have the fortune to have such an influence in their lives nor the unconditional love, support and teachings. She leaves behind a wonderful family which is a true testament of a life well lived, for she taught so many so much that will continue through her children, theirs and future generations to follow. I'm thankful that her life touched mine through Susan and Amelia and I know they are the wonderful people they are, in part because of her. I will miss hearing their stories of adventure with Anna.

Joel Davis

November 17, 2012

She broke the mold... One of the most engaging, original, compassionate people I've known...

Caroline Baird

November 16, 2012

I will miss my dear Aunt Anna, who was ALWAYS so much fun to be with. She was very intelligent and always learning something new. She was the most unique person I have ever known. She was so generous, forever sharing starts from the plants she loved that grew in her garden, or a favorite recipe , or some gadget she thought we just had to have.I admired her keen sense of humor. She made the Theurer family reunions extra fun for everyone with the whacky things she would bring and plan. She had a special love for children and they loved her too. She was so proud of her children and her grandchildren . She was happiest when she was surrounded by them. We will all miss you Aunt Anna.

November 16, 2012

Many will remember Anna for many kind gestures she made to them and family. She will be remembered by me for a number of those outreaches by her but I will remember her for the plants she rooted and those she gve me. Betty J. Boles

GEORGE DAVIS

November 15, 2012

WE STARTED OUT IN UTAH MOVED AS A FAMILY TO PARADISE. WERE TOGETHER FOR FORTY FIVE GOOD YEARS IN THE SAME HOUSE YOU LOVED SO MUCH. THANK YOU ANNA.

November 14, 2012

Yes, there was the clack and clang of something delicious cooking in the kitchen, but equally memorable is waking up to sound of Grandma shouting out some new German or Italian phrases over her morning Nordic Track ski machine. I have so many great memories doing different projects with Gram and my cousins, or playing our many family card games. Gram was beyond successful in instilling her many interests into all of us. I will miss you immensely, Grandma.

November 14, 2012

Well Mom the old house just doesn't feel the same without you. No more waking up at 4:30 A.M. to the clang & crash of pots & pans being gently distressed while being filled with something tasty to eat. No more coffee that could wake the dead,---If we'd thought you wanted to be around any longer we'd have given you a cup. No more getting up & seeing you having a green salad or last nights vegetables for breakfast while kicking butt on a crossword puzzle or the word jumble. But just for the record I'm keeping the house & plan on having a Davis living here at least as long as I'm around & hope to only leave this house feet first as you did. You will be forever missed.

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