Anita R. Steinkamp Obituary (1926 - 2016)

On Sunday, November 13th, 2016, Anita Ruth Steinkamp of Bloomington completed her life lessons, and having finished her purpose on Earth, departed from this world. She was 90 years old.Anita was born in Columbus, IN on March 23rd, 1926, the second child of Francis Leroy and Mabel Fodrea Jordan, making her both a little sister and a big sister. She was preceded in death by her older brother Leon Jordan, and is survived by her younger siblings Janet Lego and Phil (Christy) Jordan. She graduated from Shields High School in Seymour, IN and studied at the University of Cincinnati. On September 1st, 1946 she married the love of her life, Richard Charles Steinkamp in Dudleytown, IN. He preceded her in death on January 24th, 1993.Anita was a devoted wife and mother. She created a home for her family that was beautiful, warm and comforting. She took pride in her homemaking and raising her children. She is survived by her four daughters and hand- picked sons: Nancy (Dennis) Perzo, Karen (Tony) Patton, Kristina (William) Bickers, and Sara (Tom) Mayes. She cherished her five grandchildren: Kristen (Scott) Peterson, Abigayle (Owen) Townsend, Adam (Emily) Bickers, Thomas and Alex Mayes, and her five precious great-grandchildren: Paige, Ryan and Matthew Peterson, Avah Waldschmidt, and Lennon Bickers.What do her grandchildren remember? Ice skating at the lake and coming inside to mugs of hot cocoa with mini-marshmallows, ice cream with a cookie on top, grasshopper sundaes, story time, feeding the ducks, Scrabble games, classical music, everything beautiful.She brightened the lives of many children as the librarian at Oak Hill Elementary and at the Bartholomew Co. Library. She was also a substitute teacher. Anita was an active volunteer, as well. You might have found her leading a tour at the David Davis mansion, or heard her voice raised in song with the St. Peters Lutheran Church choir and community chorus. She supported the OSF St. Joseph auxiliary during the boxed cookie fundraiser, and worked inside their gift shop.She was proud to serve as a Regent for the Joseph Hart DAR chapter and board member of the Letitia Green Stevenson chapter. She had a passion for American history and researching her familys own heritage. She transcribed her ancestors Civil War letters which were later published and cataloged at the Bartholomew Co. Library.Anita lived her life fully and wished to share her favorite verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heavens.In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to OSF Hospice Services, 211 N. Landmark Dr., Suite D3, Normal, IL 61761. A private farewell will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery, Columbus, IN at a later date. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is assisting the family with arrangements.