Anita Gillard Obituary


ANITA BETH (GARRISON) GILLARD
June 28, 1943 ˜ October 3, 2018

Anita Beth (Garrison) Gillard passed away peacefully on October 3rd, 2018 at the age of 75 with her two children, Greg Gillard and Kelly Golden, by her side. She was born in Pittsfield, MA to Robert and Betty Garrison. She was the oldest of their four children. After her mother passed away she gained three more siblings through her father’s remarriage. Anita grew up in Littleton, CO and graduated from Littleton HS in 1961.
She moved to Denver in 1961 where she met her future husband, Ed. They met on the stairway outside her apartment and were married just three months later July 12th, 1963. In 1966, they welcomed their first child, Greg and in 1969 their second child, Kelly was born. The family spent some years living in central Washington as Anita supported her husband while he finished his Bachelor’s degree. She made many beloved friends during this time, her closest being Sue Tindal Brima.
The family relocated to Vancouver, WA in 1973. Anita spent the next 15 years raising her kids and working for small businesses in Vancouver. She was incredibly intelligent and had a natural gift with computers - She was a computer nerd before they were considered cool.
Anita loved to read, work on computers, quilt, craft, and run amuck with friends especially her bestie, Leslie Currie.
Anita was diagnosed with lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis in 2015. She was given six months to live, but fought her way through three more years keeping her bright smile, her fun personality and her optimistic nature to the very end. She spent the last month of her life in Hospice care at Kelly and Jay’s home surrounded by her sisters, Nancy and Mary Ann, her friends, Sharon, the Hutchinson’s, Raymond, Lisa, Sue, Linda, Mary Jo, Mary Kaye and Leslie, her kids Kelly, Greg and Jay, and too many visitors to name.
Anita was a loving wife, an amazing mom to Greg and Kelly, the best Nana to her grandkids, and a faithful friend to many.
Anita is survived by her children, Greg Gillard (Lanice) and Kelly Golden (Jay); her grandchildren, Bailee and Trey Rogers, Megan, Carly and Cody Golden, Cal and Jack Gillard; her siblings, Nancy Vandermyde (Dan), Jim Garrison (Kathleen), Brenda Ribbens (Steve), Mary Ann Shirbroun (Dan), Becky Estes (Scott) and Cindy Conger; her step-mother, Joanne Meury; along with many other relatives and dear friends.
She was preceded in death last year by her huband of 55 years, Ed Gillard.
A celebration of her life with be held on Nov. 10th at the Red Cross Building on Officer’s Row from 5:00-8:00.
Memorial donations can be made in Anita’s honor to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Kaiser Hospice.
Please sign her guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits

Published by The Columbian on Oct. 28, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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'Nita and I were best buds in high school. We had the best times together. In the past couple of years we played computer games which she enjoyed as much as I. I'll miss her terribly. Condolences to her family and friends. Patti Kolb Chapman, Puyallup, Washington

November 7, 2018

'Nita and I grew up together in Littleton, CO and graduated in 1961 from Littleton High School. We kept in touch on Facebook and my admiration for her has never waivered. A very special lady indeed and I shall miss our conversations online.

Judy Nelson-Bloemen

November 1, 2018

Nita was a beautiful, fun & much loved member of our family. She gifted the world with her humor, creativity, wisdom, love & two amazing children. She, along with the love of her life Ed, will live on in our hearts forever, especially at Christmas and family gatherings which she never missed.

Ann Golden Egle

October 29, 2018

Nita was my very best friend. She had my back no matter what I was going through. I miss her & send her my love.

Sue Brima

October 28, 2018

As a teenager working in an office, Nita (as I called her) was always warm, caring, and patient with me. I'm grateful to have had the chance to know her. She was a true friend to my mom as well. May her family be comforted by how many people loved her.

Wendy Ervin McCulley

October 28, 2018

Her spirit was inspirational. She was so courageous through it all. Truly a beautiful lady inside and out. A great friend, she was always willing to talk and share thoughts (even politics). She never turned down an opportunity to get in my car and just "run amok" with me. Many adventures and sweet memories were made. I miss her so dearly and thank you for making me feel like one of the family.

Linda Stocker

October 28, 2018

Friends and Family - It was difficult to write my Mom's obituary because of the small amount of information I could fit. She would want all her loved ones to know that she felt like a very lucky person to be in your lives. She was the friendliest, most inclusive, welcoming, and forgiving person I've ever known. She understood the truth of life is to love without strings attached and to accept people as they are. I miss her dearly everyday. Thank you for being special to her.

Kelly Golden

October 28, 2018

I enjoyed working with Anita when I was a high school student. She taught me about account payables and receivables and how to use some of the first business accounting software. More importantly, she knew how to laugh and enjoy her work family. Sorry for your family's loss, Kelly.

Tamara Shoup

October 28, 2018

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