Anita was born on December 20, 1933, to Lehman E. and Arie Sherum Bass in Opelika, Alabama. Anita graduated from Opelika High School in 1952. She then attended Auburn Polytechnic Institute, now known as Auburn University, earning a Degree in Art in Illustration. Following graduation, she took a job as a civilian employee for the U.S. Air Force at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, as an Illustrator. During that time, she met her future husband, Kenneth “Ken” Niehouse.

They made their home in Marshalltown, where they owned and operated numerous dry-cleaning businesses including Niehouse Cleaners. They eventually expanded that business to Niehouse Cleaners and Custom Draperies, which they ran for over 30 years. She was a member of First Congressional Church and P.E.O. in Marshalltown.

In childhood, Anita loved playing the piano, school and art. At 12 years old she said that she wanted to be a designer and achieved that dream. She had a wonderful sense of style and was an amazing artist. She helped decorate many homes in Marshalltown and the surrounding area and even has her original paintings in some of the homes in the area. She took her family on many trips to visit relatives throughout the United States, most often to her hometown, Opelika, Alabama, and to Panama City Beach, Florida. She loved her time with her children and family. She was a kind and loving woman who will be deeply missed.

Anita is survived by her son Kirk Niehouse and wife Lisa and their children Jake (Chely) Thompson, Kenton Niehouse and Jamison Niehouse; her daughter Shari Konarske and husband Steve and their children Rick (Jessica) Konarske, Jennifer Konarske and Drew Konarske; her great-grandchildren Cristhy and Danelia Thomspon, Ryley and Dylan Brunsman, Samantha, Shelby and Kendrick Konarske, and Thea Konarske; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Anita is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Herschell Bass and sister, Edna Earl Williams. The family wishes to offer special thanks to the staff at Glenwood Place for their warm, caring and professional care of Anita during her waning years and to Unity Point Hospice for their compassionate care the past couple weeks.

Anita’s funeral service and visitation with the family is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, at First Congregational Church, 312 W. Main St., Marshalltown, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 11:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Funeral service will start at 1:00 P.M. Interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Marshalltown, Iowa, following the funeral service. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of her family. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.