Anita Virginia Schaeffer Pitts, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully, on Oct. 7, 2008, at Carle Hospital, Urbana, Ill., after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Anita was born Jan. 18, 1921, in Johnson City, Tenn. During her earlier years she lived in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and later made her home in Vicksburg. During her years in Vicksburg, she was an accomplished business owner and member of the Order of Eastern Star in addition to other professional organizations.

In 1985, she relocated to Champaign, Ill., from Wichita, Kan. Anita was an exceptional artist and worked particularly in china painting. Her artistic skills were appreciated by family and her public clientele.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Una Ethel Hemby and Bernard A. Schaeffer.

She is survived by her two daughters; Mary Una Clegg of Champaign and her husband, Donald, and Anita Head Leivo of Santa Fe and her husband, Kenny; four grandchildren, Katie Clegg of Pittsford, N.Y., Kenneth R. Leivo II and Jamie D. Leivo, both of Amarillo, Texas, and Brian D. Leivo of  Carlsbad, N.M.; and five great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Sean, Kate, Jensen and Rylee Leivo.

Family graveside services will be conducted in Vicksburg by Glenwood Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008, at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Champaign County Humane Society, Champaign, IL or a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at Owens Funeral Home.