Anita Marie Lebsock, known for her warmth and infectious laughter, was born to Conrad and Merle Lebsock on April 26, 1945, in Fort Morgan, Colorado. After a courageous battle with cancer lasting twelve years, she passed away on May 11, 2024.

Throughout her journey, her faith remained steadfast, carrying her through to the end.  With her departure, we bid farewell to a remarkable woman whose life left an indelible mark on countless hearts.

Anita was the cherished sister of her two older brothers, Les and Jerry. From the Beaver Street Bike Gang to nights at the drive-in, her childhood was full of adventure. After graduating from Fort Morgan High School in 1963, she pursued a career as a telephone company worker, where her commitment and hard work were evident.

In 1965, Anita crossed paths with Tom, and after two years of courtship, they exchanged vows and embarked on a journey together. They recently celebrated their remarkable 54th wedding anniversary. Together, they shared a journey that took them from Sterling to Denver, where they welcomed the arrival of their son, Tony, in 1975, and their daughter, Amanda, in 1979.

Anita's dedication to her family was unwavering. As a mother, she found fulfillment in nurturing and guiding her children with all her heart and soul. Anita's rock-solid support was evident in her attendance at every one of her children's sporting events, where she often cheered the loudest, regardless of her understanding of the game's rules. After three decades in Denver, Anita, Tom, and Amanda returned to Fort Morgan, where Anita lovingly cared for her mother, Merle, until her passing. The return to Fort Morgan not only allowed Anita to fulfill her role as a caregiver but also provided an opportunity for her to delve into the rich history of the Orphan Train with her mother.

During her career at AT&T, Anita pursued higher education and proudly earned her Bachelor's degree from Colorado Christian University.  She and Tom later ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, owning and operating the local bookstore, the Book Mark. Anita thrived in this role, fostering connections with the community and sharing her passion for reading with everyone she met.

Following the sale of the bookstore, Anita transitioned to Morgan Community College and eventually became the Bookstore Director, which allowed her to connect with almost every student on campus. After retiring from MCC, she found joy in brisk morning walks around town, her distinctive spikey hair and determined stride making her easily recognizable from afar. She enjoyed using lively book club discussions as a way to catch up and socialize with her many dear friends. Additionally, she enjoyed putting her intellectual prowess to the test at Trivia night with her teammates. Anita also found fulfillment in engaging with various diverse community activities, such as serving as an Election Judge and her dedication to cultural activism.

Anita found her greatest joy in life in her role as Grammie to her cherished grandchildren—Anna, Lizzy, Abby, Maleah, and Ezra. She held each of them close to her heart, cherishing every precious moment they shared. From special back-to-school shopping trips to the excitement of surprise Amazon packages magically arriving, or the simple pleasure of watching them play in the backyard and explore the magic of their playhouse, these memories are etched in her heart and will be passed down through generations with love."

Anita is preceded in death by her parents, Conrad and Merle Lebsock, and her brothers, Jerry and Les Lebsock.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Tom Ertle, her loving children Amanda Miller, and Tony Ertle, her daughter-in-law, Andrea Ertle, and her adoring grandchildren.

A funeral service to celebrate Anita's life will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, May 20th, at St. Helena Catholic Church, followed by a reception.