Anita Sherril Sowell, 88, known to many as Sherry, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Coffeyville Regional Medical Center.
Anita was born on March 25, 1938, in Coffeyville, Kansas, to Tilden and Mary Josephine Bucher. A lifelong resident of Coffeyville, Anita was a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was a dedicated worker, starting her career at Tony's Bakery at the tender age of 14 and working there until the mid-1970s when the Fourth Street Shopping Center tragically burned down. Subsequently, she spent her career at Wal Mart in the Health and Beauty Aides Department until her retirement.
On October21, 1956, she married Benny J. Sowell in Coffeyville. Following their marriage, they made their home in Coffeyville where they raised their daughters. The couple later divorced.
Anita was not only diligent in her professional life but was also a devoted mother who loved her family fiercely. Her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the most important part of her life. She was a woman of many talents; her hobbies included gardening. She also had a deep love for animals. Anita had a strong attachment to her hometown, having attended Field Kindley High School graduating in 1956, and lived in Coffeyville all her life.
Anita is survived by her daughters, Melinda Carr and Nancy Nash and her husband Mike; her grandchildren Monica Swigart, Dustin (Angela) Duvall, Jennifer (Dustin) Johnson, Randilyn Day, Luke (Jamie) Carr, and Jennifer (Jake) Stapleton. She also leaves behind sixteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Anita was preceded in death by her parents Tilden and Mary Josephine Bucher, her grandson Matt Swigart, and her son-in-law Roy Carr.
Following Anita's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville.
A memorial graveside service celebrating Anita's life will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Veterans Memorial Patio in Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Randy DePriest of the First Assembly of God officiating. Inurnment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Park.
We encourage those who knew and loved Anita to leave memories and upload photos to her memorial page at www.dwbfh.com.
