Anita Root

Anita Root, 83, of Monroe, died at Providence Hospital of complications following a stroke on July 19, 2014. Anita was born in Wenatchee, Washington, the daughter of Arnold B. "Pete" and Sylvia Williams, and grew up in Bothell, Washington, where she met and later married the love of her life, Laver S. Root. They were married for 54 years before cancer took him away from her in January 2002. In the early years of her married life she worked as a waitress for several different restaurants and bars in Monroe, and later went on to become a bookkeeper for various businesses in the Monroe, Sultan, and Duvall areas. While working and raising children, she still made time for civic activities. She was the past President of the Women's Auxiliary for the Sky Valley Racing Association, a member of the Monroe Eagles Marching Drill Team and even bowled on a bowling team for the Johnson Bakery in Monroe. Anita loved to read and to travel. She not only loved reading books of all genres, she also liked cookbooks, and had a very extensive collection. She enjoyed reading a good cookbook, just as much as reading a novel. Her favorite vacation spot was Moclips, Washington, on the Washington Coast; the ocean was music to her ears. Before her husband Laver's death in 2002, they had planned to take a train trip around the United States. They never did get to take that trip together, but after his death, she took the trip visiting several different states by train, and enjoyed it immensely. Her only regret was that he wasn't there to enjoy it with her. Most recently when she was home, her love was her cat, Miss Kitty, and watching TV, with her favorite programs being Dr. Phil, Judge Judy, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Everyone knew if they called her during any one of those programs she was likely to tell you she'd call you back!! She was known and loved by a lot of people. She had a smile and a wit that seemed to bring out the best in others. She had a deep and spontaneous laugh that was contagious and could fill a room. She was always willing to give a person a second chance and was willing to help out her fellow man. She taught her children to be kind to others. She often said "if it wasn't for the kindness of others, you kids wouldn't have had shoes". Money was tight in the early years with six growing children, but we never knew it. She worked hard to take care of everyone and she did a great job of it. She leaves behind her six children, who loved, and admired her: Sylvia Tongson and Ted (Paris, TX), Russ Root and Carol (San Diego), Mike Root and Sherri (Monroe), Rally Root (Monroe), Toni Freeman and Gregg (Stanwood) and Tracy Daggett and Bill (Everett). Also, 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; and her long time best friend, Carole Hatton Tucker. We the family would like to thank the very kind nurses and nursing assistants that took care of our mom on the neurology floor at Providence hospital while she was there both times. She was taken care of with dignity and kindness, she felt safe and well cared for. She enjoyed being asked where she got her warm fuzzy blanket!! A family memorial service will be held when her cremated remains are placed at Tahoma National Cemetery with Laver at a later date. Together Forever. Mom, we know in our heads it was your time to go, but in our hearts it hurts. We are happy you are out of pain now and reunited with Dad. We love you very much; you will be greatly missed by all of us.