The Richmond News, Oct. 24, 2025

Anita Fanning

Anita Lorraine Fanning, 90, of Richmond passed away Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond. Anita was born July 28, 1935, in Kansas City, the daughter of William and Alice (Arkbauer) Ragland. She was united in marriage to John Everett Fanning of Kansas City on May 8, 1952. He preceded her in death on Dec. 14, 1988.

Survivors include her two sons, John Fanning (Tina Montague) of Tucson, Ariz., and Timothy Fanning (Loretta Traver) of Quenemo, Kan.; and daughter, Tina (Jerry) Penniston of Richmond. Other survivors include five grandchildren: Scott Fanning, Tiffany (Shawn) Handley, Diana (Eric) Barker, Harold (Melanie) Penniston and Joe (Jessica) Penniston.

She also is survived by 10 great-grandchildren: Emma (Tim) Jenkins, Kate Penniston, Leah Penniston, Larry Penniston (Ali Eaton), Mary Penniston, Chris Handley, Caleb Handley, Josh Barker, Addie Barker and Kolton Penniston.

In addition to her parents and husband, Anita was preceded in death by her son, Jeffery Fanning; daughter, Alice Fanning; and two brothers, William P. Ragland and Michael D. Ragland.

Anita was raised and educated in the area of her birth and graduated in 1953 from Central High School in Kansas City.

She was, first and foremost, a devoted Christian, wife, mother and grandmother whose life centered around faith and family. Anita dedicated herself to caring for her loved ones and to praying for her community, always expressing gratitude for the care and kindness she received from others. She kept a lengthy prayer list of those in need and faithfully prayed for them each day, often for hours at a time.

Anita enjoyed the simple things in life, especially visiting with family and friends, and savoring a piece of chocolate each afternoon. She gave freely of herself, always offering the best she had and never complaining when doing without.

For 28 years, Anita was a familiar and friendly face at Shirkey, where she worked in the dietary department and found joy in helping others.

She was a faithful member of the Richmond First Baptist Church.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home; 507 E. Main St.-P.O. Box 190; Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation and funeral services were scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 23, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. and services to follow at 10:30. Burial was to be in Richmond Memory Gardens.

Please share your memories of Anita with the family at www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.