Sharyl Jeannine Anderson

Sharyl Jeannine (Willows) Anderson of Lutz, Florida passed away July 10, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. Sharyl was born March 2, 1940 in Topeka, Kansas to William and Louise (Nitz) Willows and she grew up in Scranton, Kansas. She graduated top of her class from Scranton High School in 1958. Sharyl worked for the State of Kansas in Topeka in the Department of Vital Statistics and in Manhattan for the Office of the Controller at Kansas State University. In 1960, Sharyl married her high school sweetheart, Karl Franklin Anderson, and they shared an incredible 65 years of marriage. Together, Sharyl and Karl resided in Manhattan, Kansas; Marion, Iowa; and Edwards AFB, California; before putting down roots in Lancaster, California where they raised their two children: Karl Franklin II (Kif) and Michelle Joy. Their final adventure started in 2003 when they moved to a home in Lutz, where they lived across the street from two of their grandchildren and had lots of space for frequent visits from their two grandchildren living in California.

Sharyl’s life was a testament to thoughtfulness and caring; she had a feisty spirit that will be remembered by all who knew her. She was a homemaker who especially liked to bake delicious cookies, regularly sharing with her family, friends and neighbors. Always involved with Kif’s and Michelle’s activities, Sharyl was an outstanding Cub Scout den mother, a proud Eagle Scout mom, an innovative elementary school room parent, an organized PTA secretary, a reliable church school secretary, and a constant chauffeur. Sharyl was also a loyal and boisterous fan of the Los Angeles Lakers. She and Karl loved to take cruise vacations with the whole family, enjoying many cruises out of Tampa with her cousins.

Her greatest joy was being a loving (and spoiling) Grandmom. She devoted her life to her kids, grands and great-grands, who all loved her very much. She and Karl endeavored to never miss a science fair, spelling bee, music recital, pinewood derby, Girl Scout event, half-time show, soccer game, or any other opportunity to spend time with and support their family.

Sharyl is predeceased by her son Kif and her sister and brother-in-law Gwendolyn and Robert Smith. Sharyl is survived by her husband, Karl, daughter Michelle (David) Goodman, Kif’s widow Patricia Anderson, four grandchildren Lauren (Jonathan) Taylor, Michael William Goodman, Faith (Victor) Garcia, and Eden Willow Goodman, and two great-granddaughters Abigail Jeannine Taylor and Nayeli Rose Garcia. She is also survived by her cousin Gary (Belinda) Nitz and her niece Tamara (Donald) Lee and their children Tyler and Tatiana.

A service to honor and celebrate Sharyl’s life will be held at the convenience of the family at Lake Carroll Cemetery in Tampa, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations in remembrance of Sharyl may be given to the music program of Lake Magdalene Church in Tampa.