Anita Claire Howard

Oct. 20, 1950 — Aug. 29, 2021

Former Tuolumne County resident Anita Claire Howard passed away in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on Aug. 29 after a prolonged illness.

Anita was born in Caldwell, Idaho, to Wallace and Audra Howard. She often referred to herself as a “military brat” as her father was a career military man. His assignments took the family to several locations throughout the world, seeding in her a love for travel and a healthy curiosity about various cultures, their customs and beliefs.

Following her graduation from Seaside High School, she chose nursing for a career and graduated from Samuel Merritt Hospital School of Nursing in 1971 and began to specialize in maternal-child health. She moved to Sonora in 1978 becoming the manager of the obstetrical department at Sonora Community Hospital. She worked there for many years being a “night owl” working while others slept. In 1985 she completed course work for midwifery from Medical University of South Carolina. She became a provider of obstetrical services as a certified nurse midwife through the local hospital. She recalled those days as some of the most fulfilling in her career. Following the clinic’s closing in 1998, she moved to Rock Hill to be employed as head of Piedmont Medical Center’s midwifery program. Illness forced her to retire in 2006.

Anita truly loved life. She loved people and made many friends wherever she went. She was generous and big-hearted. Her laugh still echoes in the minds of those who knew her. She was an avid reader with an expansive library and skilled at cross-stitch.

Anita is survived by many friends and colleagues. Of special mention is her friend, Rick Couch, of Rock Hill, who lovingly and faithfully cared for her when she could no longer care adequately for herself. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Young (Doug), and niece, Kara.

She was preceded in death by her father, Wallace David Howard, and mother, Audra Lee Howard, and her best friend, Dee Minney, of California.

Anita’s ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean as she had requested. During her illness she would often speak of a longing to return to California, as she had found this to be her favorite earthly home. She is now at peace.