Juanita (Nita) Ashcraft passed away at home on July 10, 2012, at 91 years of age.

Nita was born in Amarillo, Texas, in 1921. She lived in Texas and Colorado before moving to Northern California. She spent 10 years selling real estate in Contra Costa County prior to launching into her lengthy and quite impressive political career. She served as the Northern California Chairperson for Ronald Reagan’s Gubernatorial Campaign, which lead to several appointed positions, including a 10-year term as a member of the California State Personnel Board. She then went to Washington, D.C., after being appointed as the first women Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, in charge of Manpower and Reserve Affairs, under President Gerald Ford.

After returning from Washington, D.C., she split her time between California and Coeur d’Alene before settling in Napa, Calif., in the late ’80s where she remained active in local politics. For the past five years she has resided in Graeagle, Calif., with her daughter and son-in-law.

She was a world traveler, a voracious reader and collector of antiques. She enjoyed live theater, fine dining and a great movie. She was always up for a game of cards or a trip to Reno to hit the slots.

Nita’s vast knowledge made her a great conversationalist and she was always happy to lend an ear without judgment. Her positive outlook and great sense of humor were ever-present in her smile. It was a privilege to know her and she will be greatly missed.

She leaves behind her daughter, Martha Hansen; son-in-law Bryan Hansen; stepdaughter Joy Madrid; six grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 28, 2012, in Graeagle, Calif.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to Tahoe Forest Hospice, P.O. Box 60903, Truckee, CA 96160 in memory of Nita Ashcraft.