Anita passed away in her sleep in the early evening of Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2014, in Kalispell, at the age of 66, after being diagnosed in 2013 with ovarian cancer.
Anita was born on Friday, Nov. 21, 1947, at St. Mary Hospital in San Francisco, to the late Raymond and Verna Dusté. She remained in San Francisco throughout her childhood where she would graduate with honors from George Washington High School in 1966.
Anita worked for many years in a broker firm in California before moving to Spokane in 1977, where she began her career in real estate and raised her children.
Anita remained in Spokane throughout much of her life where she met the true love of her life, Lee Cranston Smith. Anita and Lee were married in 1994 in a ceremony among family and close friends. Lee was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2004, and in her true character, Anita never left his side. Lee Cranston Smith passed away on March 3, 2006. Anita soon moved to Kalispell where she would live with her sister and loving family.
Anita was blessed with a natural gift of music and was an exceptional flutist. She enjoyed dancing, pool, bowling and trivia. Anita was fond of the ocean and lighthouses, and she loved animals.
Anita was actively involved in several community services throughout her lifetime, including the Moose Lodge (#161, #1922) where she earned their highest and esteemed honor of College of Regents, which she was always very proud of. She loved the Moose dearly and if one so desires, they may honor her memory and make a charitable donation in Anita's name to: Moose Charities, 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL 60539-1100.
Anita is survived by her three children, Brian of Whitefish, and Richard and Carolyn, both of Spokane; brother, Marc and his wife, Helen, of San Francisco; sister, Lois and her husband, Jim, of Kalispell; grandchildren, Amanda and Derek of Spokane, and Nichole of Auburn, Wash.; nephews, Robbee and James, and nieces, Laura, Tracey, Carly and Sami-Jo, all of Kalispell; and many loving relatives and friends.
Anita will be remembered for her warm and outgoing personality. She would frequently strike up conversations with complete strangers and visit with them like they had been friends for a lifetime. Anita always had a special gift with people and would take the time so others would feel happy and welcome.
Anita and Lee will have their ashes spread together as they both requested. “They will be together eternally in Paradise.”
Memorial services are set for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Moose Lodge, 2158 U.S. 2, in Kalispell