Anita Louise Stixrud

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Anita Louise Stixrud, who left this world on March 17, 2023, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Anita's life was a testament to love, compassion, and boundless generosity, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Anita was born on February 23, 1956, in the charming city of University Place. She was the cherished daughter of Virginia Adeline Carlbum and was predeceased by her father, Herbert Raymond Smith. From an early age, Anita demonstrated a remarkable kindness and an innate ability to nurture those around her. Her formative years were spent in Lakewood, Washington, where she graduated from Clover Park High School in 1974. Moving to Puyallup WA where she lived for 36yrs Anita's life was a mosaic of love and dedication to her family and community. She found her true calling as a special needs foster parent, a role in which she excelled with tremendous compassion and unwavering devotion. Anita embraced each child as her own, creating a haven of love and understanding that transformed lives and inspired all who witnessed her selflessness. On December 26, 2018, Anita married the love of her life, Elvis Ejovi. Their union was a beautiful testament to the power of love and companionship, a bond that provided her with immense joy and fulfillment. A loving mother, Anita is survived by her devoted children: Michael Ray Stixrud, Shane Robert Stixrud, Kristina Breann Ellis and Rebecca Peterson Her nurturing spirit extended to her six cherished grandchildren, whose lives were enriched by her presence and affection. Anita's legacy is carried forward by her beloved sister, Linda Hop, whose bond was a source of strength and comfort throughout Anita's life. Anita's home was a sanctuary for both people and animals. Her love for all creatures great and small was exemplified by her rescue of Rocky from the shelter and her exotic companion, Tabia. Her heart knew no bounds, and her dedication to her animal companions was as profound as her love for her family. Anita's impact on her community was profound. She approached life with an open heart, treating everyone with kindness and respect. Her laughter, warmth, and incredible capacity for empathy will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we celebrate Anita's life, we remember her not only for her accomplishments, but for the love she spread so generously. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of her family, her foster children, and the countless lives she touched. A service to honor Anita's remarkable life will be held at a later date, where family and friends will gather to share stories, tears, and laughter in tribute to a truly extraordinary woman. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Anita's memory to a charity close to her heart—a testament to her enduring spirit of giving. Anita Louise Stixrud will forever be remembered as a beacon of love and compassion, a woman whose heart knew no limits and who lived a life of unwavering dedication to those she cherished. May her soul rest in eternal peace.