Anita Dennis Hatcher

Anita Dennis Hatcher, 68, passed away on August 12, 2023 at her home in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota. A friend to everyone, Anita was known for her kindness and inclusion. She loved her children, grandchild and grand-doggies with her whole heart.

Born November 1, 1954 in Springfield Missouri to George and Jane (Renfro) Dennis, Anita was raised alongside her sisters, Jana and Melissa. Nita was so petite and striking as a child, that people would mistake her for a baby doll. She was so stunning, in fact, that even an at-home bang trim gone wrong (courtesy of her mother) could not detract from her beauty. Always the fashionista, her style was classic but trendy, and she was known for her fabulous coats.

Nita and her sisters were always close - even into adulthood - creating a lifetime of stories and memories that they loved to share with their children. They never ran out of things to talk about - Nita would regularly spend hours on the phone with her mother and sisters, keeping in close contact even when they were physically apart.

From a young age, Nita was extremely creative and artistic - something that blossomed and stayed with her throughout her life. She loved to create - intricate beads and marbles from clay, homemade paper dolls with elaborate outfits, papier-mâché Halloween decorations - the list goes on. Nita passed her abilities down to her daughters, Emily and Liz, and the three of them were often in the midst of some creative project or another. She was always so proud of all the things they created together.

Anita loved animals. Her yorkie Archie was her constant companion, providing years of laughs and love until his passing. Her grand-doggies always knew to expect a special treat when she came to visit, and they pined endlessly for her attention. For a number of years, she walked many of her neighbors dogs at her apartment complex, forming friendships with not only the animals but their owners. Even after her neighbors moved, many of them would continue to send Nita cards and updates on their lives. It was simple gestures like these that meant so much to her.

Halloween was Anita’s favorite holiday, often planning spooky parties for her birthday celebrations. You didn’t need to look any further than Nita’s house if you wanted to see the best decorations and the most detailed pumpkin carvings. Her creativity shone through in the costumes that she put together, a fun tradition that she passed down to her daughters. She couldn’t wait to see the homemade costumes that they would create each year (and of course, she was always there to help with the construction and concept). This was true up to her final Halloween, when she got to see her grandson RJ dressed up as Popeye - an idea that Nita herself had suggested.

Her first grandchild was the apple of her eye. Nita loved getting daily updates of RJ and was thrilled with each visit - she was continually in awe of his every move. She made sure that RJ knew that his Nini loved him, and his room is decorated with thoughtful treasures that she passed along to him.

Anita will be remembered as someone who compassionately thought of others and would do anything to make people feel comfortable and welcomed. There was not a sweeter soul on this earth.

Anita is survived by her children, Emily (Robert Mattson) Mattson and Elizabeth Hatcher; grandchild Robert “RJ” Mattson; sisters Jana (Dennis) Soper and Melissa (Dennis) Brogger; mother Frances Jane (Renfro) Dennis; and nephew Ben (Nicole Scilingo) Brogger. She is preceded in death by her father George Dennis; nephew Peter Soper and brother-in-law Don Brogger, all of whom she loved and missed dearly.

Memorial service 11:00 AM Sunday, August 20, 2023, at the Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapels 3960 Wooddale Avenue South, Saint Louis Park, 55416. Visitation one hour prior to service at the funeral home. Donations in Anita’s memory can be made to the Animal Humane Society https://animalhumanesociety.org or a charity of your choice. Contributions in Anita’s memory can be made to Access Vet “Share For Care” https://myaccessvetcare.com. The family kindly requests no flowers.