Anita Louise Kliewer was born on June 3, 1942, in Cushing, Oklahoma, to James Milledge Howell, Jr., and Virgia "Pearl" (VanCamp) Howell. While her father served in Europe during World War II, Anita and her mother spent the first three years of her life living with her maternal grandparents, Joseph and Catherine Van Camp, in Avery, Oklahoma. During that special season, she formed lifelong bonds with many of her cousins, including Mrs. Charlotte Wolf (née Lochner) and Mrs. Donna Cuddeback (née Paden).

After her father’s return, the family settled in Cushing, where her sister, Joyce Ann, was born in 1948. Anita graduated from Cushing High School in 1960 and soon moved to Oklahoma City to live with her aunt, Edna Paden. There, she worked for Sun Oil while attending Draughon’s Business College, achieving an Associates degree.

It was at Draughon’s that she met Ervin Bruce Kliewer, whom she married on September 3, 1961. With the exception of a few years in Enid and Fairview, Anita and Bruce made their home in Oklahoma City. They raised three children including Douglas Bruce (1964), Todd Michael (1968), and Jana Nicole (1972).

Anita worked alongside her husband in his accounting practice and later with James Dee Johnson & Company CPA firm. Her family is deeply grateful for the love, friendship, and support extended to Anita by her colleagues there.

She served faithfully for many years as a fifth-grade Sunday school teacher at Putnam City Baptist Church and poured herself into her family’s life - supporting and encouraging in various school and extracurricular activities. Later in life, she was a proud and loving grandmother to nine grandchildren, each of whom brought her great joy. She loved Christmas with the family, shopping with her sister and she was an enthusiastic fan of Elvis Presley. On April 8th, 2026, following a battle with colon cancer, she entered her rest surrounded by those she loved.

She is survived by her husband, Ervin Bruce Kliewer; her sister, Joyce Ann Hensley (née Howell); her son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Douglas and Allis Kliewer of Tulsa; her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Todd and Mrs. Elicia Kliewer; and her daughter, Ms. Jana Kliewer Williams of Oklahoma City.

Grandchildren include Miss Kara Kliewer; Dr. Amy Loerke (Christopher); Mrs. Lauren Wilder (Christopher); Mr. Luke Williams; Mr. Andrew Kliewer (Katie); Miss Reagan Williams; Mr. Michael Kliewer (Deja); Mr. Holden Williams and Miss Taylor Williams.

The true measure of Anita’s life is not found in material wealth, but in the legacy she leaves behind — a family marked by faith, education, service and achievement: three physicians, a physical therapist, a mental health counselor, two successful young business leaders in Oregon and Houston, a graduate of Harvard and Oxford Universities, two grandchildren pursuing master’s degrees in theology at Harvard Divinity School and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and two outstanding students at Tufts University and Heritage Hall. Her life was one of devotion — to her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her extended family and her Lord — and her legacy will endure for generations.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jess Armor and the staff at Mercy Coletta Cancer Center for their compassion and care. We appreciate the special care provided by Sarah Jones, RN, with LifeCare Hospice and Brittany Lund with Bellevue Health during her final days.

Her celebration of life will occur on May 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Vondel L. Smith & Son North Chapel at 13125 North MacArthur Boulevard in Oklahoma City.

In lie of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to the American Cancer Society.

Psalm 116:15 - Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful ones.

2 Corinthians 5:8 - We are of good courage, and we anticipate with greater delight being banished from the body and going home to the Lord.