Anita M. Barrett, 62, Emporia, Kansas, and formerly Topeka, died at her home on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. Anita M. Cossairt was born at Burlington, Kansas on February 14, 1949, the daughter of William and Virginia (LaBlanc) Cossairt. She married Lee R. Barrett at Emporia, Kansas on February 17, 1968. He died June 7, 2002 in Topeka, Kansas. Surviving family members include her daughters, Shelli Barrett and Megan Barrett, both of Emporia, Father and Step-mother, William and Jestie Cossairt, Olathe, Kansas, Sisters, Cindy Anderson, Arlington, Texas, and Bilinda Hulse, Olathe, Kansas, Grandchildren, Brianna and Ashton Barrett of Emporia, Kansas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lee, and her mother, Virginia. Mrs. Barrett was a bookkeeper for various companies in Emporia and Topeka for 40 years. She was a graduate of Emporia High School and Flint Hills Technical College (Emporia). She was a member of the Saint Mark's Lutheran Church, Emporia, Kansas, the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and the Elizabeth Circle of the church. She played Tripoli with friends from a church group monthly. Anita enjoyed painting. Her art work was enjoyed by many. Cremation is planned. Memorial services will be held Friday at 10:00 A.M. at the Saint Mark's Lutheran Church, conducted by Pastor John Davis. Inurnment will be in the Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia. The family will receive friends at the Garden Room of the church Thursday evening from 7:00 to 8:00, and Friday morning from 9:00 AM until service time. Memorial gifts to the Emporia Friends of the Zoo, and the Lyon County Humane Society may be sent to Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P O Box#175, Emporia, Kansas 66801. Online condolences may be sent through www.robertsblue.com

Published in Topeka Capital-Journal on March 10, 2011