Anita Mae Critchfield
Obituary
Anita Mae Critchfield was born June 5, 1935 to Howard A. and Laura J. Barkley Critchfield in Vinton, Iowa. She passed away September 25, 2025 in Ashland, Oregon surrounded by family.
Anita grew up in the Bay Area attending schools in Oakland and San Leandro, CA. She married Wayne Conrad and they later divorced. Anita then married Robert Gerald Meidl April 8, 1988.
Anita was a well-known waitress in the Santa Cruz area, working at Malio's on the wharf in Santa Cruz, Mt. Madonna Inn and Golden West Pancake House in Watsonville where she was affectionately called "AC." She obtained her real estate license and worked alongside her husband in Meidl Realty until they retired to Oakdale, CA to be closer to family.
Anita was an accomplished pianist. She often played for church services and family gatherings. She loved the ocean and often took a carload of her children and their friends to the beach for the day.
Anita was preceded in death by her parents and spouse of 37 years. She is survived by her children: Linda (Gary) Brines, Jackie (John) Bauer, Michael Conrad, Mark (Debi) Conrad, Kenneth (Judith) Meid; grandchildren: David Brines, Terri Wilson, Leanna Stapleton, Jacob Conrad, Jessica Wells, Alice Meidl; and 12 great grandchildren.
She attended Oakdale Family Church in Oakdale, CA. Memorials are suggested to Equipping to Serve Brazil or Modesto Gospel Mission.
Published in The Pajaronian · October 7, 2025