Mary Lee (Jackson) Anderson
(July 14, 1925 ~ July 27, 2011)
A private family graveside service for Mary Lee Anderson, former area resident, will be held Saturday, August 6th, in the Colfax Cemetery. Mary passed away July 27th in Othello, WA. after a long illness. She was 86. She was born July 14, 1925 to Fred and Martha Mae Jackson in Garfield, WA. She grew up in the Palouse living in the Oaksedale and Garfield areas, and graduated from Garfield High School in 1943. She then worked for Dr. J.T. Goodhope at the Garfield Clinic and attended Kinman Business School in Spokane, WA. She married Delbert Wayne Anderson of Oakesdale on Nov. 4, 1950. They farmed near Oakesdale for several years before moving to the Spokane Valley where they raised their five children. Both Mary and Del were active in the Berean Church in Spokane Valley where Mary sang in the choir and taught Sunday school for many years. In the mid-1980's they moved to Warden, WA, and then closer to Othello nearly twenty years ago where she remained until her death.
Mary was a wonderful homemaker and a gifted cook. She was an exceptional gardener and raised remarkable vegetable and flower gardens. She had a very kind and nurturing spirit and over the years welcomed many (including the four-legged kind) into her home with open arms. Mom was truly dedicated to her family and will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her five children, Erik (Lori) of Royal City, WA, Ellen and David (Shari) both of Seattle, Joel of Othello and Kristine Anderson Cal, also of Seattle; 9 grandchildren, Greg (Christina), Tim and Jeff Anderson, Jonathan (Andrea), James and Julian Anderson and Brandon, Bréanna and Joslyn Cal; and 2 great-grandchildren, Gwendolyn and Grace; a step-granddaughter Sarah and step-great-granddaughters Celia and Chelsea. She is also survived by her niece Valerie Nelson of Nine Mile, WA and nephew Bob Jackson of Spokane.
She was preceded in death by her parents and six older brothers, step-granddaughter Shannon, and Delbert, her husband of 59 years, who passed away in December of 2009.
The family suggests memorials be made to Grant County Animal Outreach (http://grantcountyanimaloutreach.com)
An informal reception for those who wish to join us in honoring Mary's life will be held Saturday, August 6th from 1- 3 pm at the First Baptist Church of Oakesdale, WA.
On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com. Bruning Funeral Home, Colfax, is caring for the family.