Anita Lee Crow Vogel, 85, of Fairfield
Anita has passed on to be in the presence of her God and His Son at 7:30 AM, Monday, April 7, 2025, at her home in Fairfield. She lived a full life, complete with struggles and victories.
Anita was born in Alton, IL December 4,1939, to Orvel L. and Alice M. Crow. Initially, they lived in the oldest home in Alton. It was stone with a tunnel that went down to the Mississippi River and was part of the famous “Underground Railroad” that assisted escaped slaves going north to their freedom. In addition to Alton, her family moved to Tacoma, Washington where they lived for 10 years before returning to Alton in 1950 and then on to Fairfield in 1953, where Anita was a freshman at Fairfield High School.
She was a valued member of the Ellen Moore Methodist Church that connected her to her extended family and her ancestors. By her senior year she found the welcoming arms of the First United Methodist Church (later Cornerstone Community) where she stayed for the rest of her life. She was an active member of the church including the choir.
In 1958, she married Howard K. Vogel. Her daughter Lee Ann (named after Anita’s middle name and sister Becky’s middle name) was born in 1961. Anita worked in the High School Guidance and Counseling office from 1964-1993, a job for which she was very suited. Because she was such a caring listener, the kids loved to spend time with her during their lunch period. Tom and Janice Tucker remember how welcoming she was to them, who were new in town and at the high school.
While raising a child and working full time, Anita attended Southern Illinois University earning a bachelor’s degree with a 4.0 average.
She and Howard just loved remodeling their home, built during the Civil War, Anita saw it as a work in progress (for 70 years). They would study a project so thoroughly that when it was finished you couldn’t’ tell if they did it or had it professionally done. Clearly Anita never did things halfway.
She and Raymonda Wise had a 65 + year friendship. There were times when those two were like “Thelma and Louise,” including road trips like going to Branson, Mo and “No Tell City” ….
Misty Eckleberry did her nails faithfully for 23 years, and her son Jayce drove Anita to and from those appointments when she could no longer drive. Misty remarked about her generosity and style. Oh, what a classy lady!
Anita “walked the talk” of a life of service. Among her many accomplishments: Epsilon Sigma Alpha (fund raising for educational scholarships), PEO chapter MJ (a membership by invitation only philanthropic sorority assisting those who need a hand up), Kiwanis, The Clothesline, and of course church. Anita Lee Crow Vogel was the embodiment of a life well lived.
Anita is predeceased by her husband Howard, her parents Orvel and Alice Crow, and her brother Dudley Crow. She is survived by her daughter Lee Ann (Scott) Stanford, her sister Becky (Holly Beckstrom), grandson Tyler H. Coin, great grandson Willliam Coin and great granddaughter Sedona Moon Coin.
Anita will be cremated and a celebration life held at 11 AM, Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home in Fairfield, with visitation from 10 AM until the time of service. Her ashes will be buried in Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials in her honor may be made to the Humane Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.
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