Anita June McIntyre

Anita June McIntyre June 12, 1955 – December 31, 2011 Anita McIntyre began her time in this world when she was born to Agnes and August Welch, in Delta, Colorado. She was the youngest of five children born to the coal miner and nurse, and had fond memories of living in Somerset until the age of five. The family moved to Fruita after August's death, to live with Agnes' father, John Egger. Growing up in her grandfather's house on Mesa Street, Anita had lots of adventures rescuing animals, playing with neighbors and living with her sisters. She often told stories of Fruita when it had dirt-paved streets, before there were any stoplights. Anita worked as a nurse's assistant at the Fruita Hospital until she married David McIntyre, another Fruita native, on May 28, 1977. They bought land outside of town and made a life together in the country for their family, raising various animals and farming while David worked as a locomotive engineer for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, and later the Union Pacific Railroad. Anita cared for their three children and proudly listed her occupation as "Mom," which was extremely important to her. For years she cooked, cleaned, taught, listened, and was always there for her family. Her most favorite place to be was at home, surrounded by family members and with her dog, Kirby. Anita loved history and current events, as well as music and reading. Her spaghetti sauce remains legendary, and her legacy for appreciating good food and time with family lives on. She loved gardening and could grow just about anything, and her flowers will return in the springtime as a reminder of her. After a sudden and short battle with cancer, Anita passed away at the Hospice Care Center, where she received excellent care in her last days. She was surrounded by the love of family and friends, who will miss her terribly. Anita leaves behind her loving husband, David McIntyre of Fruita; three children, Erin (Mike) of Grand Junction; Gina (Nick) of Tampa, FL, and Carl of Fruita. She also had one brother, John (Carolyn) Welch of Montrose; and three sisters, Teresa (Bob) McDonald of Libby, MT; Rose (Rex) Widegren of Palisade, and Jo Adair Brown of Grand Junction. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends will miss her too. Services will be held Friday, January 6, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fruita. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting contributions to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, 3090 North 12th Street, Unit B, Grand Junction, CO 81506. "The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family." ~Thomas Jefferson