Anita Jean (Harvey) Macgregor

Anita Jean (Harvey) Macgregor, 86, of Abilene, Texas, passed away on February 26, 2025.

Nita was born on January 11, 1939, in Abilene, Texas, to Maxey and Hazel Harvey. She grew up in Abilene, graduating from Abilene High School in 1956 and was one of the first women to earn a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Abilene Christian College in 1959. After college, she worked at Borden Milk Company before marrying Kenneth Macgregor on August 3, 1961.

Kenneth’s service in the U.S. Air Force took them to England for three years before they returned home to Texas, settling on the family ranch in Jones County. Tragedy struck when she lost both her husband and father in consecutive years—Kenneth in 1967 and Maxey in 1968. Undeterred, Nita embraced the challenges before her, raising her daughters while managing the ranch, tending cattle, and farming the land for nearly 30 years before selling her herd in 1997.

In addition to ranching, she worked as a Deputy Tax Assessor for the Shackelford County Appraisal District for 10 years. However, the role she treasured most was that of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Nita was a woman of deep faith, a devoted member of Hamby Church of Christ for more than 50 years.

Her resilience and strong work ethic shaped her life and inspired those around her. She firmly believed that “Can’t never could!”, instilling in her daughters and grandchildren the determination to face any challenge head-on. She often reminded her family that anything worth doing is worth doing right.

In her later years, Nita enjoyed reading, sewing, crossword puzzles, and traveling. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and was a faithful supporter of West Texas Rehabilitation Center and the Christian Service Center.

She is survived by her daughters:

Sharon Beasley and her husband, Ken of Greenbriar, Arkansas
Karen Viertel and her husband, Mark of Abilene, Texas
Sandie Rees and her husband, Jay of Weatherford, Texas
Her family also includes her nephew:

Andy Ostenberg and his wife, Marcy of Moses Lake, Washington

She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren:

Cody Beasley and his wife, Catherine of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Brye Beasley and his wife, Kayla of Conway, Arkansas
Tanner Viertel and his wife, Blair of Keller, Texas
Kenli Mar and her husband, Derek of Hurst, Texas
Zane Faske and his wife, Miranda of Haslet, Texas
Gage Faske and his wife, Becca of Bridgeport, Texas

She was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren, many cousins, and a host of cherished friends.

Nita Macgregor leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, and love. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Striegler and his staff, the rehab unit at Windcrest Health & Rehabilitation, the staff and friends at Willowcreek Rehab and Nursing, the staff at Hendrick Hospice Care, the many tireless homecare and home health angels, the prayer community of Hamby Church of Christ, her “sister cousins,” and her very special life-long friends. Their love, care, and support brought great comfort to Nita and her family during her final years.

A visitation with the family will be held on Friday evening from 5-7pm at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St with a service on Saturday at 10:00 am in the chapel of the funeral home.  Following the service, she will be laid to rest, beside her beloved husband, Kenneth at Round Mound Cemetery in Hamby, Texas. Pallbearers will be Tanner Viertel, Cody Beasley, Brye Beasley, Derek Mar, Zane Faske, and Gage Faske.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Meals on Wheels, Hendrick Hospice Care, West Texas Rehabilitation Center, the Christian Service Center, or a charity of your choice.