Florence Ruth Anderson

Florence “Flossie” Anderson, 92, of Dillon, Montana, passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Flossie was born on May 14, 1922, in San Ardo, California. She was the eighth of 12 children, so she learned to become very self-sufficient. Flossie married Grant Anderson on August 15, 1946. They celebrated 53 years of marriage until Grant passed away in 1999.

Flossie embraced being the wife of a rancher and worked alongside her husband for many years. Flossie and Grant worked hard and prided themselves on raising excellent cattle, riding good horses and being great stewards of the land and their ranch. Flossie put her blood, sweat and tears into the land, even working the ranch herself after the passing of her husband.

She also enjoyed working in her yard and having a big garden, sharing her goodies with friends and family. Flossie was known for her delicious pink beans and freshly baked pies.

Grant and Flossie raised two daughters, Dorothy and Shirley. They taught them a good work ethic and encouraged them to participate in many activities. Flossie was a 4-H member herself and a 4-H leader for many years. She enjoyed taking her daughters to many horse events, and later in life watching her daughters and granddaughter participate in horse events and sporting events.

Flossie was a member of the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and Farm Bureau. Flossie was a member and very involved in the San Luis Obispo County CowBelles, later known as the CattleWomen. She held various offices in the organization, including president. Flossie was one of the founding members of the CowBelle Trail Ride and was secretary of the event for 32 years. She was an active participant on the trail rides until hip replacement surgeries forced her to give up riding, then she attended without taking her horse.

Flossie was honored by her peers as San Luis Obispo County CattleWoman of the Year and in 2006 CowBelle Mom of the Year. In 2004 Flossie was honored as a Pioneer Day Attendant when her sister-in-law, Isabelle Bermingham, was chosen Pioneer Day Queen.

Flossie is survived by daughter Dorothy Seymour and husband John, of Dillon, Montana, and daughter Shirley Williams and husband Tom, of Idaho Falls, Idaho. She is also survived by granddaughter Tammy Neal and husband Jason, and by great-grandson Tristan Neal, all of Smyer, Texas. Flossie is survived by sisters Hazel Duarte of King City, California, and Rose Nunes of Salinas, California, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held in Dillon, Montana. A graveside service will be held Friday, October 10, at 11:00 a.m. at the Shandon District Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at the clubhouse in the Shandon Park.

Memorials may be made to S.L.O. County CattleWomen Scholarship Fund, c/o Fran Tognazzini, 250 Frontier Way, Templeton, CA 93465 or Barrett Hospital and HealthCare and Hospice, 600 Hwy 91 South, Dillon, MT 59725, or to a donor of choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, Paso Robles, CA.