Anita Masters

Anita Masters, 86, of Hebron, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on November 22, 2025. Born on February 25, 1939, in her family home on River Road in Hebron, Kentucky, to parents Vaughn and Dorothy (Conner) Hempfling, Anita was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend to all that knew her.

Anita lovingly raised her two daughters, Julie and Lori , as a devoted young mother. She was active in their school and personal lives, and particularly enjoyed dressing them to the nines in matching clothes.

Moving to Hebron to be closer to her family and the family farm, she attended Northern Kentucky University and earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Elementary Education.

As she juggled becoming a working mother, she still found time for the things that mattered most in life to her- her family. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings for her many siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins, traveling, and serving others through numerous volunteer opportunities at Hebron Lutheran Church. There, she was an active and integral member of the congregation and sang in the choir.

As a teacher at Goodridge Elementary, she poured her time and energy into her students, coaching the Academic Team for many years, and leading them to undefeated seasons and Governor’s Cup wins. She adored her colleagues, and only ever spoke ill of writing portfolios.

Anita had a knack for shopping, perhaps, above all things. From birthday and holiday cards always delivered with her beautiful cursive and the receiver’s first and middle name, to matching clothing sets and Christmas ornaments for her grandchildren, Anita struggled to find even the smallest of stores that couldn’t contain her for hours at a time.

Her grandchildren look back on their time with their grandmother with memories of spoils, traditions, and a love that every child should be lucky enough to know. From Christmas Eves spent at “Grandma’s”, to vacations, to attending every event and game possible, and games of Apples to Apples, their Grandma brought love, laughter, and light into their lives each and every day.

Anita took particular pride in her family’s history and story of their farm life. She regaled her grandkids with detailed stories and memories even in her later years, remembering bringing in the cows for milking on early, cold mornings as a young girl.

Later in life, Anita married her high school sweetheart, Charles Masters. She found true love and happiness in their union. She was devoted fully to him throughout their marriage, and during his fight with cancer.

Above all, Anita will be remembered by all who knew her as a loving mother and grandmother who poured herself into others with a servant heart.

She is survived by her sisters, Mary Beth Veltkamp, Yvonne Edwards (Terry), and Jean Hempfling; her daughters, Julie Utz and Lori Carter (Keith); her grandchildren, Andrew, Kristina, Elizabeth, and Joshua (Erin), a great-grandson, James; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition, she is remembered and beloved by several step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vaughn and Dorothy Hempfling; her brothers, Carlton and William Hempfling; and her husband, Charles Masters.

A visitation will be held at the Middendorf-Bullock Funeral Home, in Hebron, from 10:00 am to 12:00 Noon on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Service to follow at 12:00 Noon. Interment will be in Hebron Lutheran Cemetery, Hebron. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Goodridge Elementary Family Resource Center or the Hebron Lutheran Foundation in her memory.