Anita Lantz

Anita Hays-Lantz was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on May 7, 1945, to Don and Muriel Hays. She was their only child. She spent her early years in Carlsbad, New Mexico, where her father managed an auto parts store. At the end of 8th grade her family moved to California. She attended Willows High School where they called her Tex because of her southern accent. Her father got a job with GSA at McClellan AFB and the family settled in Fair Oaks, CA where she attended San Juan High School. She met Cliff Lantz there when they both participated in the Jr/Sr play. After high school she attended American River Jr. College and then City College of San Francisco. Following City College, she enrolled in San Francisco State. In 1966 she and Cliff Lantz married. While her husband was in the Army she lived with her mother and stepfather in Concord, New Hampshire. While there, her triplet sons were born. Unfortunately, they were very premature and lived only a few hours. Also, in New Hampshire she worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield in the personnel office. In 1970, her daughter Julie was born, and Cliff went to work for Zion Lutheran School in San Francisco where Anita began working with the youth group. In 1975 her family moved to Sawyers Bar. While in Sawyers Bar they adopted their son Nathan from Korea. In 1981 the family moved to Fort Jones. Anita went to work for Quartz Valley school as a secretary but was soon teaching French and Reading. Her students still talk about her "word of the week." She left Quartz Valley to become the Parish Associate at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Yreka and served as interim pastor for a year. Anita and Cliff then moved to Butte County and Anita became the Marketing Director for Country Crest, a continuing care retirement facility in Oroville. Cliff and Anita moved to Lake County in 2004. While in Lake County Anita completed her degree in Psychology at Ashford University graduating Summa Cum Laude with straight A's. When Cliff retired, they returned to Siskiyou County where she took on the role of developing the senior program at Yreka United Methodist Church. Anita went home to the Lord on January 17, 2024. Anita is survived by her husband Cliff of Fort Jones, daughter Julie Lantz-Mitchell of Willow, Alaska, son Nathan Lantz of Fort Jones, granddaughter Ashley Fritsen (Chris) of White City, Oregon and great granddaughter Jade Fritsen, as well as many other amazing family members and friends. Her Celebration of Life will be held February 3, 2024 at 11:00 am at Fort Jones United Methodist Church, with reception to follow.

Anita Lantz

May 7, 1945 - January 17, 2024