Anita McDowell Obituary

SMETHPORT - Anita L. McDowell, 87, of Crosby passed away Thursday (March 20, 2025) at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
She was born Dec. 28, 1937, in Farmers Valley, a daughter of Walter and Violet (Hibbard) Russell. On Jan. 29, 1955, in Farmers Valley, she married James R. McDowell, who died Feb. 22, 2024.
Anita attended Smethport schools and was employed at the former Smethport Diner as a cook for a period of time and then for Backus Co. of Smethport, retiring in 2000 after 36 years of employment.
Anita loved family get-togethers where she could cook for the holidays, host summer picnics, and celebrate birthdays. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She loved attending as many sporting events, concerts and school activities as possible. She became a "grandma" to all the kids that she touched with her smile, kindness and support. Anita was known for knitting the most beautiful baby sweaters and toddler zip-ups with pictures on the back. She also donated many mittens and hats. You could always find her in her chair knitting while watching her favorite game shows, rooting for her Pittsburgh Pirates and beloved Buffalo Bills. Anita and Jimmy attended several NASCAR races in Dover, Del., and Charlotte, N.C. They also traveled to Wheeling, W.Va., to see country music entertainers and embarked on a family cruise to the Caribbean in 2009. Anita also traveled with her sisters to San Francisco and New England. She had a full life, loved being with people and will be missed by many.
She is survived by one daughter, Donna (Edward) Swanson of Smethport; four grandchildren, Jeremy (Chantel) McDowell, Kara (Eric) Barton, Jill Prince (Gregory Eaton) and Kelly Swanson (Andrew Terhune); six great-grandchildren, Jezlyn Barton, Tyler and Douglas McDowell, Sawyer and Sterling Prince and Dylan Swanson; three brothers, Herbert "Mike" Russell of Washington, Walter "Bucky" Russell of Limestone, N.Y., and Charles "Tink" Russell of Butler; one sister, Ardith White in South Carolina; a brother in law, Richard McDowell of Smethport; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Douglas McDowell; and two sisters, Arlene Hixenbaugh and Jean Stickles.
Visitation will be held 10 a.m. to noon Monday (March 24, 2025) at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc., 2 Bank St., where funeral services will immediately follow with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Norwich Cemetery, Colegrove.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are under direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.