Thelma W Anderson

Thelma Leona (Willsey) Anderson, 91, passed away peacefully May 24, 2016 at home surrounded by family in Prairie Village, Kansas. She was born September 19, 1924 in Indianola, Iowa, and is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Harold Willsey; husband, Reynold; brother, Merrill and sister, Ruby. She is survived by her sister, Bernice Pickup; brother, Max Willsey; daughter, Judith Katterhenrich (David); son, Craig Anderson (Deborah); grandchildren, Ashley Williamson, Erin Williamson, Matthew Anderson (Christie), Alan Anderson, Lisa Simmermon (Taylor) and their great grandchildren, Emily, Andrew, Mila, Harper, and Jack.

Thelma and Reynold’s love story started when they met at church in Whittier, California, while he was on Army leave during World War II. Theirs was the perfect partnership – Thelma had grown up on a large Iowa farm and Reynold was the city kid who dreamed of farm life. Over the course of 50 years, they harvested a fine crop of memories on their small farm as they lived, laughed, raised children and livestock, and worked on decades-long remodeling projects.

Thelma spent her working years looking out for the welfare of a generation of school children. As an elementary school secretary, she was a beloved mentor to students and parents alike. She also served as the Galt High School social worker/truant officer who always went the extra mile to bring reluctant students to school. She and Reynold were active in First United Methodist Church in Lodi, California. Their 66 years of devoted marriage and the unconditional love they gave their family was their greatest achievement.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 1 at First United Methodist Church, 200 W. Oak Street in Lodi, California. Committal will be held privately at Cherokee Memorial Park in Lodi. Please sign the online guestbook at www.cherokeememorial.com. Online condolences may be left at www.mcgilleyhoge.com Arr: McGilley & Hoge, 8024 Santa Fe Dr, Overland Park, KS 66204