Anita Knutson, 18, Minot and formerly of Butte, died Monday, June 4, 2007, in Minot.

Anita was born September 22, 1988, in Orange County, CA and was adopted by Gordon and Sharon (Fellows) Knutson at five months of age. They resided in Anaheim, CA, where she attended Glenknoll Elementary, Bernardo Yorbo Middle School, where she wrote and published a book, while in 8th grade, and Esperanza High School through her freshman year.

In June 2002, Anita moved with her family to Butte, ND, where she attended Velva High School. She was active in FCCLA, where she received state and national recognition for Drug Awareness. Anita was involved in extra curricular activities such as sports, soccer, Girls State, playing violin and the piano. Anita graduated with honors in 2006.

She attended her first year of college at Minot State University, majoring in Elementary Education. In addition to attending school, she was employed at the Fairfield Inn as a housekeeper and also in retail sales for Vanity, located in Dakota Square Mall.

Anita was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Butte, FCCLA and FBLA, both Velva. In her junior year of high school she was vice president of her FBLA organization. Her hobbies included reading, writing, and music. Anita was vibrant, full of life and will be deeply missed by all who shared in her life. May God bless her memory.

Loving family includes: Parents: Gordon and Sharon Knutson, Butte, ND; Sisters: Anna Knutson, Butte, ND, Evelyn Vargas, Brea, CA, and Pamela Hagland, Hemet, CA; Brothers: Daniel Knutson, Butte, ND, David Vargas, Brea, CA, Gary Knutson, Anaheim, CA, Mark Knutson, Bellingham, WA, Richard Hickle, Maui, Hawaii, and Chris O'Reilly, Austin, TX; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Anita was preceded in death by her sister, Patti Knutson.

Funeral: Monday, June 11, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva;
Interment: Butte Cemetery, Butte, ND;
Visitation: Visitation: Sunday, June 10, 2007 from noon - 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot;
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Dollars for Scholars, Velva.