Shirley L. Anderson (69) of Xenia

Shirley L. Anderson, age 69, of Xenia, passed away Friday, February 15, at her home.

She was born September 29, 1949, in Flora, the daughter of Edward “Pete” Gill and Lou Ellen (McKnight).  Shirley was united in marriage to Jack W. Anderson on April 9, 1966, at Oak Mound Christian Church.

Shirley held several jobs over the years including at the shoe factory and the old Clay County Hospital, and was employed at Xenia Manufacturing where she especially recalled enjoying her co-workers.  She had also served as an EMT.  Her most dedicated role throughout life was taking care of her family, and as an excellent cook she made certain there were always pots, pans, and tubs filled to the brim with delicious food for everyday meals and special get-togethers.  Fishing, crocheting, the occasional opportunity to shoot a gun with impressive accuracy, and dining out—especially breakfast, were some of the things that she really enjoyed.  Her dogs, Scotty, along with Cricket, who came home as a puppy in Shirley’s shirt pocket and rarely stayed out of her sight for the past 11 years, were two of her special loves.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years: Jack W. Anderson of Xenia; a daughter: Stacy (Darrell) Smith of Xenia; a son: Anthony (Kim) Anderson of Iola; 4 grandchildren: Seth Smith of Naperville, Grant Smith (fiancé Quintine) of Xenia, and Jonathan Anderson and Miranda Anderson both of Iola; a great-granddaughter: Gracyn; a sister: Angela Garrett of Flora; and quite a few special friends and family like her nieces and nephews including Ben and Tina Golden.  She was preceded in death by her parents: Edward “Pete” Gill and his wife Joyce, and Lou Garrett and her husband Rex.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Shirley Anderson will be led by her grandson, Seth, and will begin at 1 p.m. Monday, February 18, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Burial will follow at Oskaloosa Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations in lieu of flowers are suggested to either Clay County Hospice or Fur a Good Paws, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  An online guestbook is available by clicking here.