Anita Rose Haskell

Anita Rose (Heathcote) Haskell, 60, died following a courageous battle with small cell lung cancer on October 7, 2024 at Methodist Medical Center. She was born July 31, 1964 in Des Moines, the daughter of Charles "Chuck" Heathcote and Carolyn "Kay" (Kimmel) Briggs.

Anita studied at East High School and later obtained her GED. She worked throughout her life in many fields, including child care, manufacturing, and banquet serving. Her treasured hobbies included shopping at thrift stores and yard sales, dancing, playing cards, bingo, and cribbage, as well as reading, art, and camping. Anita had a bold and bright personality. She was the life of the party, fun loving, and free spirited. She loved laughing and spending time with her family.

In addition to her grandparents, she was preceded in death by her father, Chuck. Surviving are her mother, Kay (Jerry) Briggs, of Des Moines; son, Chad (Julie) Heathcote, of Adel; daughters, Megan (Craig) Henschen, of Des Moines and Haley (Clark) Reimers, of Minneapolis. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Laurie (Dave) Hefel of Des Moines, and grandchildren, Hunter Heathcote, Stella Henschen and Audrie Henschen.

A private service will be held Friday, October 11 at New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale, with a private interment at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Des Moines. A private reception gathering will follow. Those who wish to remember Anita in a special way may make gifts in her memory to Joppa, NAMI, or the lung cancer research foundation. Arrangements made by Simplify.