Anita Kay Rico Malone

Anita Kay Rico Malone, age 79, of Goshen, Indiana, died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on the evening of April 13th at Elkhart Hospital.

She was born on June 2, 1945, in Fulton County, Indiana, to Adelaido Reyna Navarro Sr. and Margarita Ruiz.

She survives through her four children, Mark (Pam) Hollar, Gary (Cathy) Hollar, Sherry Barrand, and Angelina (Harold Jr.) Schmucker; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Francis Ottman, Adelaido Navarro Jr., Alberto Navarro, Samuel Navarro, Daniel Navarro, Julian Navarro, and Felipe Navarro.

Preceding her in death are her parents, daughter Shari (Hollar) Matthews, granddaughter Shareese Hollar, and three siblings, Jr. Sweet (Charles), Adelaida Navarro, and Santiago Navarro.

She had a charismatic and vibrant personality that could be described as colorful, free-spirited, adventurous, and independent. There were many names she went by: Mom, Kay, Aunt Kay, Mimi, Mama Nita, Mama Sita Gangster, and even Hippie. Anita had the biggest heart (and also undying love for her King, Elvis Presley) She was always looking her best with her nails perfectly done, shiny lipstick, and beautiful eyebrows. She wasn’t afraid to take chances and try new things, from learning how to drive a big semi-rig to entering the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Senior Pageant. Anita loved her friends and family with all her heart and soul; she has touched the lives of many people (young and old) and will truly be missed.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

*(Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo)*