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Anita Verna McEldowney passed away on December 12, 2015 just shy of 93 fulfilling years. Anita was born on February 23, 1923 in Decatur, Indiana to Rudolph and Katherine Stolp and was the second oldest of four children. She was raised bilingual speaking both English and German and enjoyed conversing in German throughout the course of her life. After finishing high school Anita graduated from The Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she completed her training to become a Registered Nurse. She practiced as an RN in Indiana, Arizona and Oregon but it was in Phoenix, Arizona where she met her husband of over 50 years, James Eugene McEldowney. James McEldowney taught at a flight school and Anita requested flying lessons. She never received any lessons, but instead they went on a date. That date blossomed into a beautiful romance which lasted over fifty years and was solidified with a wedding on April 14, 1945 in Phoenix, Arizona. Together they had three children Craig, Don and Sandy. Anita moved with Jim and their children to Oregon in 1952 where they settled in Corvallis and Jim opened up his business, Town & Country Realty. Anita now had the time to focus on child rearing, traveling and various other activities and philanthropic endeavors. Anita was involved with her P.E.O. Chapter AR, Assistance League, and she was a member of Grace Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing tennis and traveling the world with her loving husband. She also took pleasure in sewing and was a leader and nurse for the Boy Scouts. She was an avid Oregon State Beaver's fan, attending multiple sports-both at home games and away. She loved to read and do puzzles, the two pastimes she participated in throughout the course of her lifetime. She was a doting grandmother to her six grandchildren-attending school and sporting events and hosting elaborate, warm, delicious food-filled holidays. Anita was preceded in death by her husband, Jim and two sons, Craig and Don. She is survived by her daughter, Sandy Conklin and son-in-law Bernie Conklin of Eugene, daughter-in-law Memorie McEldowney of Corvallis and her grandchildren Theresa, Katie, Stephanie, Colleen, RC, and Jamie. She is also survived by her two great-grandchildren Bri and McKenzie. Anita will always be remembered for her generosity, loving ways and contagious smile. In lieu of flowers please donate to either the cardiac unit at Good Samaritan Hospital or Grace Lutheran Church, both of Corvallis

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Anita Verna McEldowney

February 23, 1923 - December 12, 2015