Vinita Gravett-Strickland

* * * The funeral service recording is available for viewing below this write-up. * * *

Vinita Gravett-Strickland, 83, of Anita, formerly of Council Bluffs, Iowa, died, Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at Atlantic Specialty Care in Atlantic, Iowa, in the presence of family.

Vinita Marie Williams was born on April 27, 1940, on a farm South of Bridgewater, Iowa, to Archie and Bertha (Sickels) Williams.  Together, with her six other siblings, Vinita would learn to love reading books, crafting and riding horses—interests she would follow all the days of her life.  As a youngster, she was active in youth leadership programs at the First Christian Church in Bridgewater until she moved away to Omaha, Nebraska, to work at Mutual of Omaha.  While working as a Research Analyst Supervisor at Mutual of Omaha for 30 years, she married Victor Gravett.  Together they would raise two children, Kevin and Shelley while living in Council Bluffs.  In her later years she became reacquainted with an old high school friend, David Strickland, who she married on November 25^th, 1989 and remained with until her final day. 

Vinita was quite proficient in riding horses and was known not only for barrel racing, but racing horses while holding an egg on a spoon!  This amazing equestrian was also an avid gardener, country music festival enthusiast and traveler of the United States.

She was a tough, resilient, strong-willed person who’s compassion and love for her family and children were the cornerstones of her life.  No matter what the situation was, she was always there for her family through “thick and thin.”

Vinita is survived by her husband, David Strickland of Anita, Iowa; daughter, Shelley (Todd) Shockey of Mineola, Iowa; son, Kevin Gravett of Council Bluffs, Iowa; grandchildren, Alicia, Kyle, Dalton, Kelley and Kristy; eight great-grandchildren; sisters, Veronica Turner of Council Bluffs and Verlene (Wayne) Holste of Atlantic; her beloved dog, Roxie; and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Bertha Williams; four siblings, Vivian, Virginia, Delmar, and Dale; and ex-husbands, Lloyd Teager and Victor Gravett.

A visitation with family present will start at 9:30 a.m., Thursday, March 28, 2024, at Roland Funeral Home. Immediately following, a Funeral Service will begin at 10:30 a.m., also at the funeral home.  Luncheon will be served prior to  driving to the burial at Garner Cemetery south of Bridgewater, Iowa.    

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation to College of the Ozarks Music Department.  

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Vinita’s family and the arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.