VERBIC, Anita Stephanie

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Tuesday, April 30, 2013 Anita Stephanie Verbic, born Sept. 22, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wis., passed away in Prescott, Ariz., on April 27, 2013. She is survived by her loving husband Bob Verbic, who only she called "Bobby"; her son Brian Kaulig; and her daughters Lauren Verbic Wood (Bill Wood) and Diana Verbic; her grandchildren Wyatt, Hunter, Isabelle and Lia Wood and Cole Verbic, Samantha and Jake Riding; her sisters Nancy Goldman (Lowell Goldman) and Christine Parker; her brother Perry Trawczynski; and her brother-in-law Nick Verbic. Anita was a wife, mother, sister, friend and example to many. She lived as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many capacities, including an active role with her husband in the first Young Single Adult Branch in Chicago and enjoyed her many callings as a Primary and Seminary Teacher, Young Women's President, and various others within the Relief Society. She was an avid outdoors person who appreciated nature, living previously in the mountains of Colorado where Anita loved hiking, skiing, animals, and fulfilled a lifelong dream when she acquired her own Paso Fino horses. Her zest for life motivated her to become a scuba diver and run in the Boulder, Colo. Marathon. One of her most memorable moments was carrying the Olympic Torch for the 2002 Winter Olympics. Anita and Bob lived a life full of adventure through travel, love and laughter. She loved making their house a home through decor, surrounding herself with beautiful treasured memories from their trips around the world. A true "foodie," she thoroughly enjoyed entertaining, cooking, baking and gardening. She loved music and always filled the house with uplifting hymns and her cowboy favorites. No one could dance like her! "Summer camps" with the grandchildren in Colorado and Arizona were the highlight of each year. She was known by her grandchildren as having "great biceps!" Although petite, what she lacked in stature, she sure made up for in spirit! Always positive and strong, she never, ever complained, even under the most challenging and agonizing circumstances with her health. She survived several bouts of cancer since the age of 40 and was a determined fighter who fought a valiant battle, while exhibiting true empathy for others who were suffering. Anita had great faith and is now basking in the love of her Heavenly Father. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4, 2013 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1101 Sandretto Drive, Prescott, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anita Verbic's name appreciated to Marley House, Good Samaritan Hospice, 1011 Ruth St., Prescott, AZ 86301-1729 or American Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic, Cathy Mikkelson, Attn: Patient Library, 13400 E. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259. Information provided by survivors.