Anita M. Theis

Anita M. Theis, 82 years old and longtime resident of Yorkville, let the angels take her to her Heavenly Father on May 2, 2013. After a brief illness, Anita passed away at her home in the arms of her devoted daughter Margaret and surrounded by the love and prayers of her family and loving caregivers. Born September 14, 1930 in Kansas City, MO, Anita was orphaned at age three. She joined hundreds of other girls at St. Joseph?s Orphan Girls Home in Kansas City. In 1934, encouraged by their local church to provide a better life for an orphan, the large Irish-Catholic Metzinger family brought Anita into their home every weekend and holiday. Finally in 1940 after a 15 year courtship, Anita?s adoptive parents Leo Groener and Margaret Metzinger were wed and Anita was formally adopted. But she forever remained ?everyone?s daughter? in the Metzinger family. The family settled in Batavia where Anita attended local schools and graduated from Madonna with the class of 1949.

It was at Holy Cross Catholic Church that Anita found her ?farmer? Ray Theis and their romance began. After a 2 year courtship on July 22, 1950, Monsignor Donovan united Ray and Anita in Holy Matrimony. So began their lifelong commitment to faith and family. Anita always walked with God in her life and she was a faithful member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Yorkville for over 55 years.

Anita turned into a true farmer?s wife working side by side with Ray. From planting to harvest, from tending the livestock to the gathering of fresh eggs, Anita the ?city girl? never stepped back from hard work. In 1958 Anita and Ray moved to Yorkville and have resided on Fox road for over 55 years. At ?Evergreen Farm? they raised their four children and shared the daily toil of the family farm. Anita?s friendly face was always there to greet you at their country store where for over 39 years she sold a bountiful variety of fresh vegetables harvested from their fields.

Anita was a loving and compassionate woman who was always a good listener to her children and grandchildren. She will be remembered as a person who gave her all and never expected anything in return. She inspired us with her quiet strength.

Indeed to those who knew and loved her Anita gave life to St. Paul?s definition of love as expressed in his letter to the Corinthians: She was patient and she was kind. She did not boast. She was not proud. She did not dishonor others. She was not self-seeking and was not easily angered. She kept no records of wrongs. She did not delight in evil but rejoiced in the truth. She always protected, always trusted, always hoped and always persevered. She did not fail her family, friends or her God.?

Anita and Ray were blessed with being able to travel during their life spent together, enjoying worldwide adventures and warm winters in Mexico. But Anita most enjoyed the quiet afternoons spent on the front porch with her beloved pets, admiring Ray?s famous ?Petunia Waves? and watching the world go by.

Anita will be dearly missed by her family and friends who have been blessed with many loving memories. She is survived by son Fred Theis of Moberly, MO, and his children Frederick (Crystal) Theis and Ellen Theis. Devoted daughter Margaret (Leroy) Snyder of Batavia and their children Kimberly (Mike) Gerdes, Rogan Kirkover and fiance? Tania Frankovich and great granddaughter Eva. Daughter Kristy (Justin) Sifford and great grandsons Ryland and Wyatt. Daughter Jackie (Eli) Owre and great grandsons Ryder and Storm. Daughter Kyle-Marie (Jeff) Dea of Paw Paw. Son Steve (Kathy) Theis of Yorkville and their children Amy (Josh) Hawkins and great grandchildren Leah and Noah, Adam (Andrea) Theis and great granddaughters Kaitlin and Taylor, and Stephanie (Jeremy) Hawkins and great grandson Abel. Sisters-in-law; Shirley Snyder, Marie Wiltse and brother-in law Henry (Joan) Theis, all of Maple Park. Also many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a very special thank you to Anita?s dedicated caregivers Katy, Lee, Sandy and family. They became part of our life and their loving attention allowed the family?s last three years together to be filled with dignity and comfort. They were always there to help Margaret in keeping Anita and Ray at home and there will never be enough words to express our gratitude for their love and support. Dear friend Carol Crum who so faithfully brought Anita Holy Communion every week, and ?Church Angels?, Tony, Jeanne, Roger, Ron and Rita, Mike and Carol. Emillio who always was such a blessing and great help to both Anita and Ray?.Mommy never forgot to make him his ?spanish rice? every week! Dr. Rosenberg and her staff, Anita?s St. Patrick Catholic Church family, and past caregivers we will always be thankful for. Anita, the last of her generation is preceded in death by her parents Leo and Margaret Groener; her beloved aunts Anne and Cathering Metzinger; uncles Frederick Metzinger, Gus (Theresa) Metzinger, Lawrence (Lucy) Metzinger and most dear second cousin Joseph (Martha) McNerny. Her beloved husband of more than 62 years, Raymond G. Theis who passed away December 24, 2012. Brothers-in-law: Mort Snyder and Jerome Wiltse. Sister-in-law Betty and husband Elmer Wesemann.

Family will be receiving guests on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Larson-Nelson Funeral Home, 410 E. Countryside Pkwy., Yorkville. Funeral Mass to celebrate Anita?s life will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 10:00 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Yorkville with interment at River Hills Memorial Park in Batavia.

Anita loved her frequent countryside rides with Margaret (the last one on April 14) and never ever missed seeing a four legged animal!!! Her kitty-cat ?Tortellini? and dog ?Peaches ?were her constant companions. Memorial contributions may be directed to Paws and Purrs Humane Society, Oswego, IL 60543.