Anita Kay (Fletcher) Bingham passed away at her home in Normal, Ill., on Oct. 8, 2021. Anita was born on Nov. 7, 1951, in Lebanon, to Kirby Richard and E. Arlene (Crismon) Fletcher on a day that also recorded an unusually large amount of snowfall for that time of year, which made it difficult to get to the hospital. Most of Anita’s schooling occurred in Houston, but she graduated from high school at Wolf Point, Mont., where she moved with her parents prior to her junior year. Anita married Leroy Hutmacher in 1970 and spent many years living in Dickinson, N.D. Three daughters were born during this marriage: Michelle, Melissa and Megan. The three daughters later blessed Anita with nine grandchildren, and she loved each one dearly and prayed for them. On Aug. 4, 2008, Anita married Jerry Bingham, with whom she was married until the time of her death.
Anita was preceded in death by her parents, Kirby and Arlene Fletcher. She is survived by her husband, Jerry; daughter, Michelle Strom and her children, Brenna and Jonas; daughter, Melissa, and son-in-law, Brian Sappington and their children, Taylor and Colton, and daughter, Megan Gonzales and her children, R.J., Liliya, Greyson, Noelia and Max. She is also survived by her three siblings, Ron Fletcher and his wife, Gilda; Virginia Bayer and her husband, Dennie; and Kevin Fletcher and his wife, Jill; as well as niece and nephews, Monte Fletcher, Bryant Fletcher, Brent Fletcher, Natalie Aeschliman, Nathan Bayer, Matt Bayer, Zachary Fletcher, Will Fletcher and Kirby Fletcher. Anita is also survived by a large extended family. Anita accepted Christ as her savior at an early and age and was baptized by her father, Pastor Kirby Fletcher at age 9. She had a strong faith in God her entire life. She loved her family and friends, who loved her in return. Anita enjoyed staying in touch with friends and family through Facebook. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered. Visitation for Anita Bingham was held Monday, Oct. 18, 2021, from 1-2 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Funeral services followed the visitation at 2 p.m., also at the funeral home, with the Rev. Gene Edwards officiating. Song selections were “What A Friend We Have In Jesus” and “In The Sweet By And By.” Kevin Fletcher, Will Fletcher, Zach Fletcher, R.J. Gonzales, Bryant Fletcher, Matthew Bayer, Nathan Bayer and Les Aeschliman served as pallbearers. Burial was in Manes Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Manes Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
