Anita  Robinson
Anita  Robinson

Obituary of Anita Mabel Robinson

Anita M. Robinson entered into eternal rest on August 19, 2021 in Chico, California at the age of

98. She was born on January 22, 1923 in Niles, Kansas, living most of her childhood in

Longford, Kansas. In 1940 the family moved to Burlington, Iowa where she graduated from high

school in 1942. After teletype training in Salina, Kansas, transportation was included with a job

offer to work at Western Union in California. Anita took the train to Hollywood and, after

fulfilling her obligation to Western Union, began working for American Airlines in

Communications. She was then able to travel to Europe, British Isles and numerous other

destinations.

Anita met Ivan Robinson on a blind date, and in 1950 they married and settled in Redondo

Beach, California where they raised their three children. She was the ultimate, organized stay-at-

home mother, didn’t miss a celebration, special event or accomplishment, and somehow found

time to play piano and learn to decorate special occasion cakes. She was a civic-minded, tireless

volunteer and PTA president, receiving an Honorary Life Service Award in 1962. Anita was a

Brownie and Girl Scout leader and, while her daughters were active members, president of the

mothers’ club for the Hermosa chapter of International Order of Rainbow for Girls. Anita was a

Little League team mother volunteering numerous hours in the concession stand. The Robinson

home was a safe haven for her children’s friends, venue for pancake breakfast fundraisers, Girl

Scout cookie headquarters, and also a North Redondo voting precinct. In later years, she was a

member of Eastern Star in Hermosa Beach.

In the early ‘60s, Ivan and Anita bought a camper and the family took several cross-country trips

to see relatives and many of the state and national parks in between. Weekends were spent

camping in mountains, deserts and beaches. A few years later, they bought a small motorcycle

that added much fun to family camping adventures. They were also active square dancers with

the Square Links in Torrance, California.

After the children were raised, Anita began oil painting and later became a licensed

cosmetologist. She worked in several Southern California salons before retiring. She and Ivan

sold the camper, bought a motorhome, and made new friends camping for several months each

winter in Quartzsite, Arizona. One of their most memorable excursions was a “trains, planes and

motorcoach” tour of Alaska.

In 1995 Ivan and Anita moved to Chico, California to be near their daughters. She joined the

Newcomers Club, the VFW Women’s Auxiliary Post 1955, the Chico Republican Women

Federated and the Red Hat Society. She and Ivan continued to square dance locally and traveled

in their motorhome to other club dances.

Anita was preceded in death by her parents and both brothers. In 2008 after 58 wonderful years

of marriage, she was preceded in death by her husband Ivan. She is survived by her children

LaRee Robinson (Jere Bolster) and Sharon McConnell of Chico, Glen Robinson (Sandi), of

LaGrange, Georgia, grandchildren Clint McConnell (Katie) of Chico, Brent Robinson of Austin,

Texas, and Brooke James (Cameron) of Hogansville, Georgia. Anita is also survived by her

sister Marie Stephens and her children Debi Stephens-Sussel (Lee), Dean Stephens and Dale

Stephens.

Anita will be remembered for her positive outlook on life, sense of humor, love, guidance,

loyalty, and dedication to family and friends. She loved her independence and home and chose to

remain there, comforted by memories and keepsakes. It was her family's gathering place where

birthdays, holidays, milestones, and her life stories (some quite hilarious!) were shared and

celebrated. She lived through the Great Depression and was grateful for her life's bounties. Her

Christian faith being a source of inner strength and determination, she took in stride her physical

challenges and was an inspiration to all. In her last years, she enjoyed reading, watching football

games, sewing and keeping up on current events.

A private family memorial and burial took place at the Glen Oaks Memorial Veteran’s Court of

Honor, next to her husband Ivan. Her children are so grateful for the precious time they had with

her, and for their wonderful, memorable childhood. She will be greatly missed by all who knew

and loved her.

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A Memorial Tree was planted for Anita
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Brusie Funeral Home
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