Anita L. Small

  Anita L. Small, 85, of Sioux City passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023 after a long and strong battle with various medical issues. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at St. Michael Catholic Church in Sioux City. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., on Friday evening at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Online condolences may be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

  Anita was born on October 3, 1938 in Sioux City, the daughter of Walter E. and Beatrice F. (Hoaas) Riley. She graduated from Heelan High School in 1956, and went on to attend Clarke College in Dubuque, IA.

  On January 18, 1958 she married John R. Small in Sioux City. To this union, three children were born. John preceded Anita in death on April 19, 2008.

  Anita was instrumental in the development of Sioux City homes, along with her husband John. She was an active partner in John’s business that provided new homes and developed housing in the community. Together, they built subdivisions in the Siouxland area and ran a general concrete construction firm—both of which continue to operate today. Both Anita and John thrived on the challenge and the opportunities these businesses presented to them.

  She was also the owner and broker of Woodland Realty since 1980, and only recently retired in 2022.

  She was an extremely active member in many organizations, including the Greater Sioux City Board of Realtors, where she served as President in 1984/85 and 1995/96. She spent several consecutive terms on the Finance Committee, co-chaired the Professional Standards Committee and was a member of the IAR and NAR. She was selected the 1986 Realtor of the Year and ABWA Boss of the Year. Anita was an involved member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Siouxland, and she was the founding member and 1980 Charter President of the Women’s Council of Home Builders Association of Greater Siouxland and a member of the NAHB.

  Anita was a long-time member of St. Michael Catholic Church. Over the years, she served on the endowment committee and pastoral council committee, and was a member of the fellowship circle.

  In her free time, Anita enjoyed getting together with her classmates from Heelan and “The LOLA’s”. It also must be stated that her love for her children and grandchildren was an essential part of her life.

  She is survived by her three children: Jacqueline (Dennis) Wolfe of Carmel, IN, Kevin (Jennifer) Small of Sioux City, and Dani Lynn (Thomas) Snyder of Sioux City; nine grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Barton of Spokane, WA.

  She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; and a grandson, Nicholas L. Wolfe.

  Memorial donations may be directed to the family for future designation.