Anita Louise Clendening

Anita Louise (Francis) Clendening, 78, passed away on May 13, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. She was born in Fort Scott, Kansas on November 19, 1942 to Raymond and Darline Francis. The family will receive friends from 6 pm to 8 pm on Friday, June 11 at Wade Family Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 10 am, Saturday, June 12 at the funeral home with The Reverend Brenda Beavers officiating. Burial will follow at Moore Memorial Gardens in Arlington, Texas. Anita graduated from Manhattan High School in Manhattan, Kansas. She attended Kansas State University majoring in Home Economics and Interior Design. While at the University she was a member of the Angel Flight, an honorary group of women who marched with the Air Force ROTC. She was also a dedicated member of the Kappa Delta Sorority. Anita and Wayne married in an elopement ceremony in Nowata, Oklahoma on July 3, 1967. They resided in Salina, KS before ultimately relocating to Arlington, TX where they have resided since 1969. Raising three kids with her devoted husband, Anita served multiple roles over several years as PTA member and room mom. Exceptionally creative and skilled in sewing, Anita created several costumes for Halloween and school plays. She was an extraordinary cook, could slay a crossword puzzle in record time, and loved babies, birds, and gardening. Anita was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX where she became a Stephen Minister in 2003. Her special prayer is “May the Sprit dwell in you richly, filling you with Joy, and Peace, and Courage for all your endeavors in the Lord's service.” Anita is survived by her husband of 53 years, Wayne Clendening; son, Robert Clendening and wife JoAnn; daughters, Stephanie Wood and husband Brian, Amy Clendening-Wheeler and husband Rick; grandchildren, Zachary Harlan, Derek Clendening, Heather Schell, Robert Clendening, Jr., Kirstie Wall, Kennedy Bailey, Hannah Chavez, Mason Chavez, Matthew Wood, Ava Wood, and Mallory Wheeler; eighteen great-grandchildren, three nephews, a niece, and numerous cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents.