Anita Marie King

1935 - 2025

Anita Marie King, 89, of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, September 4, 2025. She was born on September 26, 1935, in Bonaparte, Iowa, to Rollo and Helen (McComb) White.
She married Fred Lee King, and together they were blessed with three children: Vincent, Chris, and Phyllis. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Anita found her greatest joy in her family. She especially loved cooking for them, losing herself in a good novel, and delighting in her peonies and Christmas cactus. Her magical touch could make a Christmas cactus bloom year-round.
Her faith was central to her life, and she remained a committed Lutheran throughout her years. Always full of humor and insight, Anita kept family and friends laughing while instilling unconditional love, timeless wisdom, and a joyful spirit. She carried a lifelong thirst for knowledge.
Animals held a special place in her heart. She rescued and raised countless beloved pets over the years and later worked with the Humane Society, reflecting her lifelong compassion for "all of God's creatures."
Above all, Anita treasured her grandchildren. Before asking about her children, she always wanted to know, "How are my grandkids?" Her devotion as a grandmother knew no distance or boundary of age. She always looked forward to spending time and sharing new books with them.
Anita will be missed most by her sons, Vincent King and wife Karen of Weldon Spring, Missouri, and Chris King and wife Cheryl of Waukesha, Wisconsin, and daughter, Phyllis Leatherwood and husband Martin of Brady, Texas. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Robert Leatherwood and fiancée Sarah, Jameson Leatherwood, Xander Leatherwood and wife Amy, Allyce King, Erin King, Hailey Storsved and husband Ben, Josh Hogan and wife Amber, Ryan McCormick, and Michael McCormick; as well as 12 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters. Waiting to welcome her to her new Heavenly home are the countless animals she loved over her almost 90 years.
Visitation will be held at Summerville Funeral Home in Salisbury, Missouri, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., with a graveside service following at 11:00 a.m. at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society or to a local animal shelter of choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Summerville Funeral Home.