Anita Grace LaTurno
Anita Grace LaTurno, age 87, was born November 4, 1931, in Charles City, Iowa, to the late Edward A. Zimmer and the late Wilma “Peggy” (Trout) Zimmer. Anita passed away on Friday, August 23, 2019, in St. Louis, Missouri.
She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Gary LaTurno; three daughters, Peggy Hines (Ed), of Spencer, Indiana; Betty Huffman (Jack), of Arnold, Missouri; and, Lisa Howe (Rob), of Arnold, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Robin, Sarah (Ryan), Matthew (Alisha), Jeff, Mike (Jennifer), Jared (Amanda), and Makensie; and, nine great-grandchildren, Ashlyn, Abi, Emma, Jade, Kylee, Jackson, Avalyn, Lillian, and “soon-to-be” Madison.
Anita and Gary were married on September 15, 1950, at Shaw Avenue United Methodist Church where they met. She was a long time member of Zion United Methodist church in Affton, Missouri. She was also a member of Job’s Daughters, Bethel 13, in St. Louis as a teenager and became Honored Queen. Then, as an adult, she continued working many years (along with her husband) with Bethel 13 and Bethel 21 as she watched her daughters join the organization and follow in her footsteps.
Anita worked for the Department of Medicine at Washington University for over 30 years. She started in Metabolism Research and then became the Administrative Assistant to the head of the Department of Medicine, Dr. David Kipnis, until she retired.
Of all Anita’s accomplishments in life, she would be the first to tell you that creating a firm, commitment-oriented family foundation, built on love, meant the most to her. She was always planning family events to bring everyone together regularly: all her children and spouses, all her grandchildren and spouses, and eventually all her great-grandchildren. The most cherished gathering that she planned was the annual “Cousins Weekend.” Just ask anyone of the grandkids about it! A Simone Weil quote became meaningful to her because of her great love and commitment to her family. One Christmas everyone in the family got a lovely floral picture imprinted with that quote: “To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.” – Simone Weil
Anita loved to celebrate life, and made it known to her family that she had only one request for her Celebration of Life. She did not want us to wear black; instead she wanted us to wear bright colors.
Visitation: Sat., August 31, 2019, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Celebration of Life: 12:00 noon
Burial immediately following.
Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63129.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Anita, a Tribute Donation to the Alzheimer’s Association would be greatly appreciated. You may donate online at alz.org or by calling their helpline at 1-800-272-3900