Gloria Mildred Anderson's Obituary
Our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Gloria M. Anderson, passed away Saturday, June 3, 2023.
She was born September 29, 1926, in Colfax Township, the daughter of John and Erma (Bowman) Jefts. Gloria attended the Brick School one room schoolhouse through eighth grade, and attended Mecosta Remus High School, graduating as salutatorian in 1945. Gloria met her future husband Kenneth while in high school, and following his service in the USMC, Kenneth and Gloria were married on June 7, 1947. They settled on her grandfather's farm (Melody Acres) in Colfax township where they made a life together and raised four children. A strong work ethic and teamwork guided their life.
Before marriage Gloria had an opportunity for employment at the Big Rapids Greenhouse. She learned the skill of floral design from Violet Pratt and worked there over several decades. She started a second career and became a driver for Big Rapids Dial-A-Ride. She loved driving and all the people she served.
Gloria and Kenneth retired together and enjoyed many trips throughout the US. Both were avid Detroit Tiger fans and frequently went to see their team in Lakeland or Detroit. They grew a beautiful vegetable garden each year on Melody Acres, sharing the harvest with friends and neighbors. Gloria kept beautiful flower beds that were admired by passers -by.
Gloria was a kind and caring person. She would think of others who were shut in or in ill health. She would make a short visit and leave soup, cookies and words of encouragement. Gloria was also a long-term caregiver, assisting her mother and husband for many years. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, brother- and sister-in-law Glenn and Marion Jefts, and brother-in-law Duane Johnson. She is survived by her children, Gary and Patricia Anderson of Rockford, Terry and Kay Anderson of Stanwood, Mary and Theodore Tett of Lowell, and Julie Anderson of Rockford; six grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; her sister Shirley Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to thank the many loyal and kind caregivers at Evergreen Terrace and Hospice of Michigan.
A Celebration of Gloria's life will be 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Monday, June 12, 2023, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. A private family burial with Pastor Jim Williams will be in the Pine Plains Cemetery in Colfax Township, where she will be laid to rest next to Kenneth. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gloria's name may be made for Hospice of Michigan or Our Brothers Keeper. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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