Anita Kathleen (Gerber) Godfrey, 82, passed away on July 23, 2025, in Warrensburg, Missouri. Born on Easter Sunday, April 25, 1943, Anita was the daughter of Mark and Margery Gerber of Independence, Missouri.

Anita and her family were longtime members of Mt. Washington RLDS Church (now Community of Christ) where she was engaged in various ministries. She generously shared her musical talents by playing the piano and violin for worship services, weddings, and community events.

She attended Van Horn High School in Independence, Missouri, where she was involved in cheerleading and orchestra. During her high school years, Anita also worked at her parents' family business, Gerber Gift & Jewelry.

After graduating from Van Horn in 1961, Anita went on to attend Graceland College (now Graceland University) in Lamoni, Iowa. While at Graceland, she continued cheerleading, participated in numerous intramural sports, and served as house president of Audentia House during her senior year.

On May 11, 1964, Anita married Vern Godfrey. Together they raised three sons: Clint, Jeff, and Chad.

Anita pursued a career in education after earning her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Graceland in 1964. She began her teaching career at Central Missouri State College (now the University of Central Missouri) where she worked as a nursery and kindergarten supervisor at Central Elementary School. Over the years, she taught language arts and reading to students from kindergarten through fourth grade.

Anita furthered her education at Central Missouri State, earning a Master of Science degree in 1967 and an Education Specialist degree in 1975. In 1980, she joined the faculty of the Department of Human Environmental Sciences where she taught courses in Child Development and Early Childhood Education. During her tenure, Anita brought leadership, organization, and creativity to her work with the university's Child Development Center. She served on numerous academic committees, helped renew accreditation for area daycare centers, advised the Sigma Kappa sorority, and served as faculty advisor to the Central Missouri Teachers Association. After 34 years of dedicated service, Anita retired from Central Missouri State University in May 2000.

Following retirement, Anita and her husband, Vern Godfrey, continued to lead lives of service, faith, and connection. They devoted many hours to volunteering at their church, supporting various ministries and community initiatives. Anita especially enjoyed participating in worship planning, music ministry, and organizing activities that brought people together. She remained deeply connected to her family-hosting gatherings, celebrating milestones, and cherishing time with her children, grandchildren, and close friends. Her warmth, generosity, and steadfast spirit of service continued to impact those around her long after she retired from teaching.

Anita is survived by her husband of 61 years, Vern Godfrey; her two sisters, Jeannette (Gerber) Hurshman and Marcia (Gerber) Pugh; her three sons, Clint (Kim) Godfrey, Jeff (Karen) Godfrey, and Chad (Suzie) Godfrey; and her eight grandchildren, Brandon (Yanci) Godfrey, Taylor (Josh) Godfrey, Gillian Godfrey, Dylan Godfrey, Lin Godfrey, Brayden Godfrey, Ethan Godfrey, and Emerson Godfrey.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Anita at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 14th at Warrensburg Community of Christ (700 S Mitchell St, Warrensburg, MO 64093) followed by a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. at Missouri Veterans Memorial Cemetery (20109 Business Hwy 13, Higginsville, MO 64037).