DODGE CITY – Anita L. Salem, 82, died Monday, March 11, 2024 at her home in Dodge City surrounded by family.

Anita was born February 5, 1942 in Hutchinson, the daughter of Robert Eugene and Mabel Irene (Pyle) Lanphier.  She received her Masters in Education from Fort Hays State University and began her teaching career in Minneola. She later taught for several years at Dodge City Community College and at Dodge City High School.

Anita was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Carnegie Center for the Arts in Dodge City. She was an avid bibliophile and never went anywhere unless in the company of a good book. She loved the magic of the written word and dedicated her professional career to sharing it with her students and family alike. She was also a talented artist who frequently used her artistic skills while spending time with grandchildren on school and home projects.

On February 1, 1964, Anita married Larry D. Salem in Dodge City. They spent the next sixty years together running successful businesses, and growing their family.

Survivors include: her husband of 60 years, Larry, Dodge City; daughter, Anissa Durham and husband Mark, Ness City; 6 grandchildren, Bryan Durham and wife Bond, Kelly Durham, Malachi Durham, Benjamin Durham, Sadie Durham, and Myriah Pitt; and 3 sisters, Mickey Coker and husband Leroy of Bull Shoals, Arkansas, Leslie Galloway, and husband Sherman Kansas City, Kansas, Ronna Winters of Kila Montana and Linsay Buehne and husband Dave, Wright.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Katrina Salem, brother, Billy Moon and 3 sisters, Joe Ann Moon, Tonia Best, and Georgia Lane.

Funeral service will be at 10:30 am Friday, March 15, 2024 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City, with Pastor Mark Durham officiating.  Burial will follow in the Cimarron Cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday from noon to 8:00 pm at Ziegler Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to Hospice of the Prairie or Carnegie Center for the Arts both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.