Anita Raquel (Garcia) Daffer

Anita Raquel (Garcia) Daffer, 87, passed away unexpectedly yet peacefully in her home early morning on Sunday, April 5, 2020.
 She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
 Anita Garcia was born December 16, 1932 at her family’s home in Huntington. Anita was the eldest of 6 children and became a kind and gentle caretaker to her younger siblings.
 Despite growing up surrounded by challenges, she went on to become Valedictorian of the Class of 1950 at Huntington High School.
 Being the smart and determined young woman she was, she went on to Nursing School becoming an RN.
 While working as a nurse at Weiser Memorial Hospital in Weiser, she met the love of her life, Charles “Charlie” Daffer. They were married March 2, 1956. They enjoyed 64 years and four beautiful children together.
 Though she loved her work, she took time off from her career to raise her children before returning to nursing once they reached school age. She continued nursing at St. Joseph Hospital, Grande Ronde Hospital and Valley View Manor (La Grande). She retired in 1992. Anita was a loved and respected nurse, always putting her love for people and her dedication into action.
 Anita was a devoted, generous and deeply loving woman who wrapped all she did in kindness. She  was always willing to give her time and her heart to her children Paul, Matt, David and Angie.
 She volunteered as a Den Mother in Cub Scouts for all three of her boys and then a Troop Leader in Girl Scouts for her daughter, Angie.
 She continued that same devotion to her family as her grandchildren came and then her great-grandchildren. Each child brought her joy that she shared with them.
 Although raised Catholic, Anita joined the United Methodist Church as an adult faithfully attending church in Huntington, La Grande, Weiser (First Presbyterian), then back to La Grande for the remainder of her life. She was also a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
 She rigorously enjoyed her church and sorority families, and was easily loved by all who knew her.
 She is preceded in death by her parents, Avelino and Rose Garcia, sister Ramona Garcia, brothers-in-law Jack Tallent and JC Gordon and sister-in-law Helen Gordon.
 She is survived by her husband Charles Daffer. By her children Paul Daffer, Matt Daffer, David and Karen Daffer, Angie Arnson and Nathan Gaarsland. By her siblings Miriam and David Rosera, Carol Lofton, Albert Garfield and sister-in-law Irene Tallent. By her grandchildren Alan and Jessica Arnson, Teri Arnson, Marcus and Mariah Arnson, Sophie Daffer and Isaac Daffer. By her great-grandchildren Michael, Luke, Anabella, Annabelle, Elsi, Echo, Charlee, Brielle and Lillian.
 Due to the coronavirus pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be postponed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to a charity of one’s choice.