Rita Anker

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Rita Hoover Anker, a long-time resident of Denver, CO, on April 28, 2023, at the age of 87. She passed peacefully in her sleep at 1:36 am, surrounded by her loved ones. Rita went to heaven knowing how much her family loved her, and she will be deeply missed. Rita was born on September 10, 1935, in her home in Bird City, Kansas, to the late William Hoover Jr and Phyllis Byers Hoover. She graduated from Mountair High School in Lakewood, CO, and attended coursework at the University of Colorado in Boulder and Colorado Women's College in Denver. After spending several years working for the legal firm Holland and Hart, Rita joined Public Service of Colorado where she worked until her retirement. Rita was an exceptional woman who embodied intelligence, strength, and determination. She loved her family deeply and was passionate about genealogy. Her life was full of adventure, and she lived it on her own terms, remaining independent and keeping her sharp mind until her final moments. Rita's vast library of books and love of reading brought her immense joy, which she shared generously with her loved ones. She also cherished road trips and the opportunity to explore the world with those closest to her. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Rita is now reunited with her dear son Steven Frank Anker, her sister Roxie Hoover English, and the beloved family members she has lost, as well as those she never met but researched extensively through her genealogy efforts. Her legacy will be carried on by her two sons, William Theodore Anker and Daniel Ray Anker, and their wives Lenette and Denise, respectively. Rita also leaves behind grandchildren Chelsie Rae Anker, Natalie Blake (Anker) and her husband James Blake, Steven Ray Anker, and Roman Anker; great-grandchildren Isla Fon Blake, Charles Theodore Blake, and Bo Hunter Blake, and many cousins, nephews, and nieces, all of whom will miss her dearly. A private Celebration of Life will be held in Rita's honor, and details will be shared as soon as the dates are finalized. Memorial donations can be sent to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate), a cause that Rita was personally impacted by and cared deeply about. Rita will be remembered for her intellect, her passion for life, and her unwavering devotion to her family. We love her so much, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.