Anita Lorraine Fanning, 90, of Richmond, passed away Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.
Anita was born on 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 December 14, 1988.
Survivors include: two sons, John Fanning (Tina Montague) of Tucson, AZ, and Timothy Fanning (Loretta Traver) of Quenemo, KS; daughter, Tina (Jerry) Penniston of Richmond; five grandchildren: Scott Fanning, Tiffany (Shawn) Handley, Diana (Eric) Barker, Harold (Melanie) Penniston, and Joe (Jessica) Penniston; nine great-grandchildren: Emma (Tim) Jenkins, Kate Penniston, Leah Penniston, Larry Penniston, Mary Penniston, Chris Handley, Caleb Handley, Josh Barker, and Addie Barker.
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 from Central High School in Kansas City in 1953. 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’s, 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’s Hospital for Children. They can be left at or mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.
Visitation with funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, with visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M., with services to follow at 10:30 A.M. Burial will be in Richmond Memory Gardens. Please remember to share your memories of Anita with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
