ANITA ‘NEET’ OSBORN June 27, 1926 – March 3, 2026
Anita “Neet” Osborn, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, moved on to her heavenly home March 3, 2026, at the age of 99. Until her passing, she lived independently in the house her husband built, diligently performing all household duties and driving herself wherever she needed to go. Her resilience and tenacity were truly remarkable.
Born Anita D. Hissman in Colorado Springs, Colorado, June 27, 1926, she grew up surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and the great outdoors. Her childhood was filled with playful escapades, particularly her relentless teasing of her younger brother, Carl. However, once he surpassed her in height (much earlier than she liked!), her teasing became less frequent.
During her late teens, Anita worked as a telephone operator in Manitou Springs, CO, for Bell Telephone Company. Later, she took on the role of floor manager at the roller rink where she and her brother trained to become a professional roller skating duo. Despite their dedication and hard work, they were just a few spins away from achieving their goal when Anita met and fell in love with Lewis Osborn.
Love ultimately prevailed, much to the disappointment of her parents, and Anita made the decision to leave her skating career behind and marry Lew.
Anita and Lew embarked on their journey together in 1946. After several years and the birth of two sons, Lew received an offer for a job with the Atomic Energy Commission at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory.
However, for security reasons, he could not reveal the location of the job to Anita. She had one condition: it had to be near or in the mountains.
As they drove to the Santa Fe Registration Office, she was not impressed. Where were the mountains? What had she agreed to? But as they ventured up the winding road to the secret city, she observed the change in terrain. “It’s beautiful,” she exclaimed.
Anita had another child, a daughter, and spent the rest of her life happily nestled in the picturesque surroundings of Los Alamos. Sadly, her husband of 41 years passed away in 1987.
A woman of many talents, Anita served as a Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, hand-sewed most of her children’s clothing, and created much of their holiday décor. In her spare time, she was an avid bowler, earning myriad trophies and awards. When she wasn’t hitting the lanes, Anita enjoyed lending her beautiful voice to the hymns at church, voraciously consumed books, and spent many hours writing and journaling.
Anyone fortunate enough to receive one of her handwritten notes would attest to her beautiful and eloquent expression.
Anita was a stay-at-home mom until her youngest child started high school. At that point, she took a job at Decols, a Hallmark gift and camera shop. She worked at Decols until she retired. Anita was known for her loving, caring, and thoughtful nature. Everyone who met her admired her honesty, integrity, and good humor.
Anita is survived by her children Michael, Carl, and Louanne and their families. She will be greatly missed by her many friends in the community and her fellow parishioners at her church home, United Church.
A Celebration of Anita’s Life will be held June 27, 2026, at Fuller Lodge. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Salvation Army, Scott’s House: Residence for End-of-Life, or a charity of the givers’ choice.
The family of Anita Osborn has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Española Valley. 505.747.7477.