Anita M. Danson's Obituary
Anita May Danson, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and devoted educator, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, in Weslaco, Texas, at the age of 89.Born on May 20, 1936, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Anita grew up on a small rural farm as the sixth of eight children. It was there that she learned the values of independence, resilience, problem-solving, and hard work-qualities that defined her throughout her life's many adventures.Her journey took her across the United States, from Minnesota to Arizona, Washington, and eventually to her cherished cottage in Texas. At every stage, Anita focused on building a home and nurturing community while advancing her professional life-including a non-traditional return to school to earn her teaching degree as an adult, a testament to her determination and love of learning.As a second-grade teacher in Washougal, Washington, Anita was known for choosing the most challenging classrooms. She had a soft spot for students who didn't thrive under traditional teaching methods. Through her patient and adaptable approach, she taught countless children to read-often changing the trajectory of their lives. She would fondly recount stories of these students for years afterward, always holding a deep hope that they had gone on to do great things.Beyond the classroom, Anita was a passionate traveler and lifelong learner. Her adventures took her from the glaciers of Alaska to the fjords of Scandinavia, the highlands of Scotland, and the lakes of Switzerland-each trip adding new stories and carefully chosen treasures to adorn her Texas cottage. Still, no matter how far she roamed, Anita's heart was always in her garden. Whether tending flowers in the rainy Pacific Northwest or coaxing vibrant blooms in the dry heat of southern Texas, her gardens thrived under her care. Until her final days, she could be found outdoors-pulling weeds, moving sprinklers, or tending to the plants that brought her such joy.Anita is survived by her three children: Gwen (Grehling) Smith, Teri Berryman, and Steve Schack; her grandchildren: Jackie (Jonathan) Even, Jessica (Gary) Brownlee, Zeron Bolding, and Tommy Berryman; and her great-grandchildren: Boden and Hadley Even. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy Horton, and brother, Bobby Danson.She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Thelma Danson, and her brothers: Arnold, Melvin, Richard, Buddy, and Oren.A private family memorial to honor Anita's life will be held at a later date.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anita's memory to Planned Parenthood-a cause she passionately supported throughout her life. Alternatively, we encourage you to plant a flower in her honor in your own garden. She would love knowing that her legacy continues to bloom in the lives of those she loved
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