Anita Joan Vail, 88, passed away peacefully at her Panama City, Florida residence on March 29, 2026. She was born August 20, 1937 in Anderson, Indiana to Stuart and Ruby Henderson. Her father, a United States Navy veteran and Department of Defense accountant, instilled in Anita the values of hard work and discipline. Her mother, a devoted school teacher and church volunteer, nurtured in her a deep compassion and love of family.

Anita grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she graduated from Shortridge High School in 1955. She went on to attend the University of New Mexico, where she fell in love with and married Air Force pilot Carlton H. "Sonny" Vail Jr. in 1961.

She served our nation proudly as an Air Force spouse, homemaker, and volunteer for nearly twenty years. Anita and Carlton retired to Panama City, Florida in 1979, following a six-year assignment at Tyndall Air Force Base.

Anita dedicated more than twelve years to the Beeline Food Store in Forest Park, where she cherished the daily connections with her patrons. Her warm spirit and natural gift for hospitality earned her regional Manager of the Year recognition in 1985. She later earned her Nursing Assistant certification, bringing the same warmth to her work at both Bay Medical Center and Gulf Coast Community Hospital before retiring in 1996.

An avid reader, devoted dog lover, and passionate Florida Gators fan, Anita was above all else an accomplished conversationalist with a laugh that was utterly contagious. She never knew a stranger and, though she called Florida home for over forty years, she held a special place in her heart for New Mexico — "The Land of Enchantment" — as her favorite place on earth.

Her life was centered on family. She gave generously of her time as a caregiver to her mother, Ruby Henderson, and to her former husband, Carlton, tending to each with grace and devotion.

She is survived by her daughter Carla Stahl and husband Jim of Pinetop, AZ; her son Michael Vail and wife Wasana of Greenville, SC; four beloved grandchildren — Christopher and Caroline Gregory, Sydney and Nathaniel Vail; and two cherished nephews, Mark and Scott Pine.

A Celebration of Life among family members is planned for April 6th, 2026 in Panama City, FL.

In Her Memory Gifts may be made to one of her cherished causes:

The Humane Society, The American Cancer Association, The Alzheimer's Association, The Wounded Warrior Project

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