Anita Kay Tilley, 84, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Terre Haute Regional Hospital surrounded by family. She was born on October 26, 1938 in Clay County to the late Fred and Helen (Mitchell) Payne. Anita graduated from Brazil High School in 1956, and served in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1959. She married Paul Tilley on November 25, 1959. Anita later earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana State University in 1969, and her Master’s Degree from Depauw University in 1971. She taught at Meridian Elementary for 31 years before retiring, making her apart of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association. In her free time, Anita enjoyed playing games on her phone, working crossword and sudoku puzzles, playing solitaire, watching The Voice and the Chicago Bears, and working in her rose garden. She loved reading books, especially anything about United States history. 

Anita is preceded in death by her husband, Paul Tilley; brother, Dick Payne; sister-n-laws, Helen Tilley and Barbara Payne; and her beloved schnauzer, Shadow. Survivors include her daughter, Kim (John) Murray of Brazil; son, Randy (Melissa) Tilley of Brazil; brother, Jack Payne of Centerpoint; sister, Suellen Sneddon of Brazil; brother-n-law, Siebert Tilley of Albuquerque, New Mexico; grandchildren, Maj. Hunter (May) Reberger, Amanda Morin, and Savanna (Ronnie Delp) Green; great-grandchildren, Harrison, Ryan, Phoenix, Jocelyn, Bronwyn, and Jack; and a special friend, Donnell Sullivan. 

Moore Funeral Home in Brazil has been entrusted with Anita’s cremation arrangements. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, followed by burial at Clearview Cemetery in Brazil. The family would like to thank the staff of Terre Haute Regional Hospital and Southern Care Hospice for their kindness and care towards Anita.