Anita Moorland

by Ron Moorland
(Fruita, Colorado)

Wife of Glade Park native Ron Moorland.

The Daily Sentinel Obituary

Anita Louise Moorland November 7, 1951 - July 4, 2009 Anita Moorland of Fruita, Colorado passed away in the early morning hours of July 4th with her family by her side, after a two year battle with cancer.

Anita was born November 7, 1951 in Pasadena, TX to Carl P. Lathan Jr. and Marjorie Madden Lathan. She grew up in Kilgore, TX, Durango, CO and Grand Junction, CO, but she always thought of Durango as her hometown. Anita graduated in 1970 from Grand Junction Central High School, and attended St. Mary College in Leavenworth, KS and Mesa College in Grand Junction, where she graduated in 1976 with an Associate Degree in Nursing. While in college, she worked as a nurse's aide, and became a Registered Nurse upon graduation. She was employed at St. Mary's Hospital from 1976 until her illness forced her to retire in 2008.

Anita loved nursing; her kindness and compassion served her well in her career. She was highly respected and loved by her co-workers and patients. Anita married Ron Moorland August 25, 1972 in Metairie, LA. Three children were born to them, Margaret in 1976, Justin in 1979 and Matthew in 1981. Anita was a devoted wife and mother, and what was best for her children was the top priority in her life. She was a talented artist and loved drawing and painting pictures of her kids and mountain scenery, as well as making pottery. She also loved her garden, her horses, and animals of all kinds. She couldn't bear to see any living creature harmed. Other interests were reading, camping, fishing and traveling. She was an excellent cook, baker, and canner; always using the fresh produce from her garden and orchard.

Anita is survived by her husband, Ron; daughter, Maggie (fiance, Jason Mertes); sons, Justin and Matt, and grandson, Brandon Bishop, all of Fruita, CO. Other survivors are parents, Carl and Marge Lathan of Grand Junction; brothers, Bill Lathan of Alaska and Carl (Kathy) Lathan of Longmont, CO; sister, Kathie (Steven) Cone of Farmington, NM, and Pattie (Bill) Browder of Johnson City, TN. She was preceded in death by her sister, Laura Lathan-Williams. Anita has many loved ones in the extended family and her dear friends from work.

Services will be Friday, July 10th at 2:00 p.m. at Martin Mortuary in Grand Junction. Contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado or the American Cancer Society .