Anita Janette Litch

Anita Janette Litch, 52, of Russellville, passed peacefully into glory on Thursday, May 27, 2010, at her home surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle against a rare form of cancer. The 8th of 10 children, Janette was the daughter of Alfred and Goldie Snowdy Hettel, born March 10, 1958 in Russellville. After graduating from Russellville High School in 1976, Janette attended the University of Arkansas Community College in Morrilton, earning a degree in nursing, which lead to a successful career as a nurse for the Arkansas Department of Health for 14 years. Janette married Mario Don Litch on December 4, 1981 in Russellville after they shared a once in a life-time, love at first sight encounter. Janette and Mario remained devoted to each other and enjoyed traveling together to our State Parks. Janette was a member of the Dover Church of Christ but also loved attending The Journey with her children and grandchildren. Janette loved the song Broken Road by Rascal Flatts and she also enjoyed classic rock and Aerosmith as her favorite band. Having a creative spirit, she enjoyed crocheting and tatting and had a great love and appreciation for nature. She found beauty in trees, flowers, sunsets and loved to write about them.
Janette lived life to the fullest. Each year she would dress up as a clown to entertain and comfort children as they received their yearly immunizations at the health department. She also volunteered her time by visiting and caring for the elderly. Family and friends described Janette as the most caring, loving person you could ever meet, always putting others first, in spite of her battle with cancer. Janette saw the silver lining in all situations and continued to be an inspiration to friends and loved ones with her beautiful smile during even the most difficult moments of her illness. Her spirit remained strong, persevering years beyond what was thought possible, so that she could have more time with her precious children, grandchildren and family.
Janette was also an accomplished writer. She kept a journal of her thoughts for her family to cherish titled, My Grateful Book, A Gratitude Journal. Janette especially enjoyed writing about her God, her family and nature. One passage dated 2-25-07 reads, The daffodils are blooming, I truly love them. I will pick a bunch tomorrow so I can bring them in. The smell is so pleasing. It always makes me smile. I believe there must be so many shades of yellow in them. They are so beautiful. I smile when I see them. I am grateful for them, the way they make me feel. Janette also enjoyed reading poetry. Life by Anna Letitia Barbauld was among her favorites.
Life Life! I know not what thou art, But I know that thou and I must part;
And when, or now, or where we met I owe to mes a secret yet.
Life! Weve been long together Through pleasant and through cloudy weather
Tis hard to part when friends are dear-
Perhaps twill cost a sigh, a tear;
Then steal away, give little warning,
Choose thine own time;
Say not good night-but in some brighter clime
Bid me good morning. Anna Letitia Barbauld
Anita Janette Litchs memory will live on in her loved ones. Those left to honor her memory include; her faithful husband Mario Don Litch of Russellville; two daughters, Amber Dawn Goodwyn of Morrilton and Teresa Michelle Litch of the home.; two grandchildren, Bailey Dawn Litch and Jack Anthony Litch of Morrilton; nine siblings, Lois Cochran of Moreland, Millie Laymond of Appleton, Alfred Hettel, Jr. of Atkins, Harriet Middleton of Conway, Linda Sikes of Humble, TX, Grover Hettle of Buckeye, AZ, Pat Lynch, Anna Hettle and Michael Hettel of Russellville. Waiting in Heaven are Janettes parents Alfred and Goldie Snowdy and a grandson, Matty Romine.
A celebration honoring Anita Janette Litchs life will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at Humphrey Chapel with Micha Williams and Dr. Sid T. Womack officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Humphrey funeral Service. A visitation will be held following the chapel service. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Health Department Hospice. Family and friends are encouraged to visit Janettes internet obituary and on-line guest book with thoughts and memories at www.humphreyfuneral.

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