Anita L. McDowell, 87, of Crosby, passed away Thursday (March 20, 2025) at Sena Kean Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Smethport.

She was born December 28, 1937 in Farmers Valley, the daughter of Walter and Violet (Hibbard) Russell. On January 29, 1955, in Farmers Valley, she married James R. McDowell, who died February 22, 2024.

Anita attended Smethport schools and was employed at the former Smethport Diner as a cook for a period of time and then for Backus Company of Smethport, retiring in 2000 after 36 years of employment.

Anita loved family get-togethers where she could cook for the holidays, host summer picnics, and celebrate birthdays. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. She loved attending as many sporting events, concerts, and school activities as possible. She became a “Grandma” to all the kids that she touched with her smile, kindness, and support.  Anita was known for knitting the most beautiful baby sweaters and toddler zip-ups with pictures on the back. She also donated many mittens and hats. You could always find her in her chair knitting while watching her favorite game shows, rooting for her Pittsburgh Pirates and beloved Buffalo Bills.  Anita and Jimmy attended several NASCAR races in Dover, DE and Charlotte, NC.  They also traveled to Wheeling, WV to see country music entertainers and embarked on a family cruise to the Caribbean in 2009.  Anita also traveled with her sisters to San Francisco and New England. She had a full life, loved being with people, and will be missed by many.

She is survived by:

One daughter: Donna (Edward) Swanson of Smethport                                                                                                                                        Four grandchildren: Jeremy (Chantel) McDowell, Kara (Eric) Barton, Jill Prince (Gregory Eaton) and Kelly Swanson (Andrew Terhune)                Six great grandchildren: Jezlyn Barton, Tyler & Douglas McDowell, Sawyer & Sterling Prince and Dylan Swanson                                                Three brothers: Herbert “Mike” Russell of Washington, Walter “Bucky” Russell of Limestone, NY and Charles “Tink” Russell of Butler, PA          One sister: Ardith White of South Carolina                                                                                                                                                                A brother in law: Richard McDowell of Smethport                                                                                                                                                        And several nieces and nephews

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Douglas McDowell, and two sisters, Arlene Hixenbaugh and Jean Stickles.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 24, from 10AM-noon at Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., 2 Bank St., Smethport, where funeral services will begin at noon from the funeral home with the Rev. Max Simms, pastor of the Hilltop Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Norwich Cemetery, Colegrove.

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.