Elizabeth Ann Vanatta's Obituary
Elizabeth Ann (Andy) Vanatta, 60, Caney, KS died Friday, March 24, 2017 after complications from a surgical procedure in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
Ann was born Aug. 28, 1956, in Quinton, OK. She was adopted at the age of eight and eventually moved to Longton, KS where she graduated high school. She worked as a physical therapist and front-end loader operator before graduating from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s degree and becoming a registered nurse. She was best known for her work with Alzheimer's patients and as a nursing home director.
She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Bruce Vanatta of Caney, KS; her sons, Jay & Carol Vestal of Hot Springs, AR and Quentin and Mandy Vanatta of Independence, KS; her step-daughters, Stephanie Vanatta of Kansas City, MO, Dolly and Junior Johnson of Omaha, NE, and Marla Vanatta of Omaha, NE; her brothers, Terry & Kathy Brotherton of Oklahoma City, Tony and Shelley Brotherton of Oklahoma City, and John and Susan Ellexson of Beaver, OK; her sister, Bobbye Grove of Apopka, FL; her brother Billy Jennings of Duncan, OK; 21 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and many extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Emmett & Norma Brotherton of Longton, KS; her father, Lawrence Croslin of Del City, OK; her mother, Virginia Croslin of Quinton, OK; her brother, Larry Croslin of McAlester, OK; her sister, Jill Heers of Apopka, FL; and her granddaughter, Courtney Vanatta of Coffeyville, KS.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 10:30 AM at Longton United Methodist Church in Longton, Kansas with burial at the Longton City Cemetery with Pastors Adam Davidson and Dena Allison officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 28, 2017 from 5-7 PM at Countryside Funeral Home at 206 East Washington in Howard, Kansas. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Memorials have been suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Services have been entrusted to: Countryside Funeral Home 206 E. Washington, PO Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349.
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