Nita Ann (Fleish) Fitchpatrick of Jasper, MO passed away peacefully at her home on
January 17, 2025, following a several years long battle with dementia. Nita was born
January 19, 1938, to an independent Dutch immigrant, Murray, and a fiery red-headed
Texan, Ruby. Those qualities stayed with Nita her entire life. Nita's entire childhood was
spent in Chester, PA. She was a caring big sister to her two younger brothers, Robert and
Richard, who both preceded her in death. Nita was a top student, an amazing athlete, and
had a deep love for caring for others. Nita graduated with an RN degree from Albert Einstein
Medical Center School of Nursing in Philadelphia, PA. Quite the popular student among
her peer group, she also acquired the nickname "The Whistler" which she lived up to for
many years...sharing that shrill whistle to call her children home in the evenings and to let
her children, and later grandchildren know that she was cheering them on from the stands
at whatever activity they were attending.
Nita met Clifford on a blind date while attending nursing school. They were married in 1959
while Clifford was still an active member of the US Navy. They lived in Chester, PA until
1969. Nita's life took a "Green Acres" turn as she moved from being a city-girl to a very
rural lifestyle. She had to quickly adapt to being away from her own family and settling into
the communities of Carthage and Jasper, MO. Up to this point she not only didn't have a
driver's license and certainly did not know North from South or East from West. Cattle, hay
equipment, and rural life in general was a challenge she took head-on beside her husband.
Nita and Clifford's 64-year marriage was blessed with four children...Lisa (Clifford)
Methvin, Cliff (Kris) Fitchpatrick, Robyn (Chris) Dumm and Kim (Robert) Bausinger. Nita
went to school alongside her children for 20 years, serving as the school nurse. She made
a lot of lifelong friends while at Jasper School, treated a lot of students' ailments, and
stayed on top of her own children's school activities. For many of those years she wore
proper nursing attire, including a white uniform, cap and shoes. She was always a
professional, and always a caregiver at heart. Nita was an active member of the Jasper
Methodist Church teaching Sunday school, singing in the choir, serving on various
committees, or pitching in where needed.
Upon retirement, Nita and Clifford had more time to engage in other activities including
gardening, fishing, camping, lawn mowing, floor cleaning and most importantly being with
their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They spent countless hours on the
road, sitting in bleachers and being in auditoriums to support those children.
In her later years, health concerns had Nita taking care of Clifford and Clifford taking care
of Nita. As they became more homebound, the responsibilities flipped, and it became the
children's turn to take care of the parents. After Clifford passed away in 2023, Nita required
full-time care as dementia began to take away the independence and fire that had always
been a part of her personality. As her memory dimmed, her heart and soul were filled with
a longing and visions of eternity with her Savior, Jesus, and being reunited with Clifford.
Although we cannot fill her earthly presence in our lives, we rejoice in knowing that
everything that had become so dim for her is now crystal clear again.
Nita is survived by five sisters-in-law (Jayne Fleish, Edie Fleish, Louella Fitchpatrick, Elene
Fitchpatrick and Delores Whitehead), her children, 11 grandchildren...Whitney (Josh)
Jackson, Brett (Ashton) Fitchpatrick, Laura (Cole) Lee, Marisa (Logan) Stump, Abby (Seth)
Minks, Rachel (Dan) Grimes, Cody Fitchpatrick, Brennan Battaglia, Blake (Sarah) Battaglia,
Bryce Battaglia, Benjamin Battaglia. She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren Claire,
Josie, Faye, Lucy and Wilder Jackson, Campbell and Pierce Fitchpatrick, Zoe, Charlie and
Audley Lee, Alden, Ayla and Aura Stump, Jensen, Bridger and Lennie Minks, along with
numerous extended family members whom she dearly loved.
Visitation will be held Friday January 24 th, at the Jasper Methodist Church from 10-11am
with funeral service following. Graveside service will be at Mitchell Cemetery.
The family would like to extend a great amount of appreciation for those who invested in
the caretaking of Nita. In her honor, memorial contributions can be made to Compassus Hospice in care of Weng Funeral Chapel.