Anita H. Juengling (Ebert), formerly of Ashburn and Fairfax, Virginia, died suddenly and peacefully on July 26, 2021 with her husband and daughter at her side.

She was born on September 11,1940 in Evanston, Illinois to German immigrants, Lothar and Elisabeth Ebert (Meinert). Her father was the caretaker of one of the Wrigley family estates and together they lived above the estate’s garage on the shores of Lake Michigan. She graduated in 1958 from New Trier High School.

Anita attended Northern Illinois University, where she majored in Education and met the love of her life, Robert (Bob). Her parents were thrilled when she brought home a “nice German boy,” even though she missed curfew. A member of the Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, Anita was the first Sweetheart of Theta Chi at NIU.

Anita and Bob were married on August 10,1963 at the Congregational Church in Winnetka, Illinois and honeymooned in Canada. Shortly thereafter, they moved into their first home in Morton Grove, Illinois until the Navy transferred them to San Diego. No sooner had they unpacked boxes, when Bob received orders to the Philippines and it was there that her late son Kurt William, was born on July 9,1965. This exotic tour was quickly followed by orders to Bahrain. Anita was a bit disturbed that she couldn’t find Bahrain on the map and Bob teasingly told them that after they landed in Saudi Arabia they would have to take a camel to get there. She was not amused. It was there that she gave birth to Lisa Beth Katharine (Hayes) on December 26, 1970.

In 1972, they were transferred to the American Embassy in Tel Aviv. The family lived in Israel for 3 years before returning to Virginia and then moving again in 1980 to Gaeta, Italy for 2 years. During this time, they had the opportunity to travel all over Europe. She looked forward to her trips to Germany where there were McDonalds (she was a Big Mac lover). After returning to Washington, DC for 3 years, Bob and Anita were again transferred overseas for 3 years to Munich, Germany. Following Munich, they returned to Virginia.

As an educator, Anita taught school in Illinois, the DODDS school in the Philippines and the Bahraini International School. Though her job at the Bahraini school was an unpaid position, she was able to supplement her income by tutoring English to two daughters of the Bahraini Royal Family at the palace. This job came with a personal driver, not the camel that her husband had promised her. In addition, she was a substitute teacher in both Italy and Virginia, as well as a church administrator at the German/American United Church in Washington, DC.

Anita was the model Navy wife and the CEO of the home. While both an exceptional entertainer and cook, she had a weakness for Macaroni and cheese and would buy 2 boxes of Kraft Mac and Cheese so she could have an extra cheese packet. She was also known for her collection of strawberries; a collection that started when her maid-of-honor gave her a strawberry cookie jar and quickly spread to her kitchen and wardrobe.

Despite 17 moves, she made friends easily and managed to keep in touch with friends from her early childhood, high school and college as well as the many places she lived. She spoke to many of them on a regular basis. Her passion for correspondence was exceptional and her Christmas card list quite long.

Following Bob’s retirement as a Navy Captain, they continued to travel. She loved cruises and made nearly annual trips to Germany to visit friends and family. In total, Anita traveled to nearly 100 countries and all 7 continents. Her favorite places were Italy, South Africa and of course, Germany.

Anita is survived by her husband CAPT USN Robert G. Juengling (Retired), her daughter Lisa Hayes (Jerry) of Ashburn, Virginia, her grandchildren Kyle (Courtney) and Kelly Hayes and Elizabeth and Robert Juengling. She was predeceased by her son CAPT USN (S) Kurt William Juengling.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Tunnels to Towers for the selfless 9/11 first responders (t2t.org), Fisher House (www.fisherhouse.org) which provides lodging for families at military and VA hospitals around the world or St. David’s Episcopal Church in Ashburn, VA (sdlife.org).

A Memorial Service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at St. David Episcopal Church, Ashburn, VA with a reception to follow. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.