LANCASTER, Ohio — Anita Reliford, 87, of Lancaster, formerly of Nelsonville, Ohio, passed away Nov. 15, 2025, in Lancaster, Ohio.
She was the daughter of Joseph and Phyllis Wend Schenz.
Anita was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years where she was a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir, and served as both a Deacon and Elder. Anita also served as Clerk of Session with the church for 15 years. She also provided pulpit fill on occasion
Anita worked for Nelsonville-York Schools for more than 40 years where she was a first-grade teacher, teacher of the gifted, and served as Director of Special Programs.
She served as a member of Athens County Library Board and of the 317 Board, and was an avid reader and belonged to a book club with many friends.
Anita is survived by her son, Joseph (Jennifer) Reliford; a granddaughter, Amanda (Amy) Reliford; a grandson, Jesse (Kaitlyn) Reliford; great-grandchildren Chase, Adrian, Henry, Charlie, Isaac, and Bryson; several cousins, nieces and nephews; a sister, Judy Thompson; a daughter-in-law, Angela Reliford; a sister-in-law, Helen Schenz; and a special friend, Rick Warren.
Anita was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Bob Reliford; parents; two sons, Bob Anthony and Robert Morgan; brothers Phillip Schenz and Neil Schenz; a sister, Joyce Smart; and brothers-in-law Jack Thompson and Eldon Smart.
Following Anita’s wishes, she will be cremated with graveside services held at 1 p.m. Dec. 9, 2025, at Connett Cemetery in Nelsonville, Ohio, with family and friends present at the grave site. There will be a dinner following the service at the Presbyterian Church, 69 E. Washington St., Nelsonville, Ohio.
Arrangements are by Warren-Brown Funeral Home in Nelsonville. Send letters of condolence to www.brownfuneralservice.net
