Anita Louise Cravens

Anita Louise Cravens, 81, of Sheffield, Texas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2024.    Graveside services will be on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 11am at the Sheffield Cemetery in Sheffield, TX. 

Nita was born August 7, 1942 to Joseph and Elizabeth Fitzgerald in Wichita, Kansas.  Nita spent most of her growing up years in Carlsbad, New Mexico where she graduated from High School in 1960.  She then moved to Midland, Texas to attend business school.  It was in Midland that she met and married the love of her life, Buddy Cravens in 1965. 

Buddy worked on several ranches during their years together but spent the majority of them on the C Ranch outside of Andrews, Texas.  They enjoyed 56 years of marriage, raising their boys and working side by side.  Buddy cowboyed and worked cattle, while Nita was up before the sun cooking and feeding all the ranch hands. 

In 2001, Buddy retired and he and Nita moved to Sheffield, Texas.  She lived out the rest of her days surrounded by her family and friends.  Nita was an excellent baker, cook and she loved to crochet.  While Buddy would braid leather in the evenings, making beautiful hackamores, she would sit and crochet pretty baby blankets.  She had several jobs over the years, including working at a local flower shop, as well as the ASCS/ NRCS office.  She spent a great deal of time volunteering at the hospital as a Purple Lady in Iraan.  She loved people and she loved helping them.  If you needed something, Nita would be there.  

Nita is survived by her son Mont Clinton Cravens and wife Roxy, and their children, Hayley, Jakelynn, and Canna; her son Buddy Clay Cravens, his wife Jodi, and their children, Rylie and Cade; Wade Purvis & wife Sheridan; and many, many cousins and friends.  She is preceded in death by her husband, Buddy T Cravens; her parents Joseph & Elizabeth Fitzgerald; and her sister Shirley Russell. 

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the West Texas Boys Ranch, or a favorite charity of your choice in Nita’s name.