March 15, 1929-July 7, 2024
Anita Call DeMille, aged 95, peacefully passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024. She was born on March 15, 1929, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Marguerite Olsen Call and Owen Udell Call.
Anita’s early years were spent in Salt Lake City before her family relocated to Ely, Nevada, for five years. It was there that Anita and her sisters began performing as majorettes. The family later moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, where Anita met and married the love of her life, Rickard (Tex) DeMille, on Dec. 21, 1950, in the St. George Utah Temple.
Anita graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. During her time at BYU, she was a cheerleader and a majorette, showcasing her vibrant spirit and dedication.
Family was Anita’s greatest joy. She was blessed with six children, 33 grandchildren and 96 great-grandchildren. A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Anita taught in the Primary and served in the Cub Scouts and the Relief Society throughout her life. She continued to serve her friends and family into her 90th year on this earth.
Anita and Tex served three missions together. After Tex retired as a regional manager for the church employment program, they embarked on a welfare mission to New Zealand, establishing the employment program there. They later settled in LaVerkin, Utah, where they built a small farm that remains a cherished family haven. Additionally, they served two more missions at the St. George Temple Visitor Center and Historical Sites.
Anita’s passions included gardening, tending to the orchard and caring for others. She was a staunch defender of values, beliefs and patriotism.
Anita is survived by her children: Rick (Tracy) DeMille, Sandy (Mark) Jolley, Maurice (Susan) DeMille, Darwin DeMille, and Bryan (Terri) DeMille; along with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Rickard DeMille; son, Jeffery (Maryann) DeMille; grandson, Nathaniel DeMille; grandson-in-law, Wayne (Danielle) Ott; her parents; and her siblings: Rhene (Marjorie) Call, Geneva (Marv) Peterson, Gaynell (Lowell) Mackay, and Margie (Jerry) Cox.
A viewing will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday, July 12, and from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 13, with funeral services to follow at 11 a.m.
All services will take place at the LaVerkin Stake Center, 481 N Main, LaVerkin, Utah. The interment will be at the LaVerkin City Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff St., St. George, 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to click here to sign Anita’s online guest book.