In the early hours of May 8, 2014, after celebrating her 76th birthday, Mary Lou Anderson surrendered her seven-year battle with cancer and drifted quietly into the arms of her Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Knowing how she longed to see his face, the Lord blessed her with the greatest birthday gift of all.
Mary Lou was born on May 7, 1938, in Buffalo, WY, to George and Helen (Bartlett) Butler. She was the fifth child born of ten children. By the time Mary Lou began attending school, the family had moved to Sheridan, WY where she graduated from Sheridan High School in 1956. Upon graduation, she began to work for Mountain Bell Phone Company as a telephone operator in Sheridan. Mary Lou later transferred to the Billings office where she met Carolyn Anderson. Carolyn introduced Mary Lou to her brother-in-law, Arnold Anderson of Joliet, MT in the spring of 1962. They were later united in marriage on December 28, 1963.
In the spring of 1964, Arnold and Mary Lou made their home in Columbus, where later on that year, they welcomed their first daughter, Christine. They moved to Bozeman in September of 1965, so Arnold could pursue a degree at MSU. In March of 1967, their son Craig arrived. Upon Arnold’s graduation in 1969, they moved to Wyola, MT on the Little Big Horn Ranch, where Arnold worked as Farm Forman. In March of 1970, Arnold and Mary Lou welcomed their third child, Lynn. Between the summer of 1970 through the summer of 1981, they lived in Absarokee and Columbus, MT. Mary Lou worked at the Stillwater Public Library and County Extension Office during this time.
In July of 1981, the family moved to Terry, MT to pursue a new job opportunity, where they raised their family. Over the years, Mary Lou cared for several elderly families and worked at the Prairie County Library, the Prairie Co. Clinic, the U.S. Post Office and as an activities assistant at the Prairie Co. Nursing Home for 12 years, retiring in November, 2011.One of Mary Lou’s greatest moments in life, was the birth of her grandson, Jared, in April of 1989. She immediately fell in love with him and nicknamed him “Tiger”. They spentmany special times together and had a bond that will never be broken.
In May of 1972, Mary Lou dedicated her life to the Lord. Her love and commitment to the Lord carried over to the love and commitment to her family. Always there with a word of encouragement, a smile or a hug, Mary Lou blessed her family and those around her every day. In recent months, she made a big impression on the doctors, nurses and aides who cared for her, amazing them and us with her strength, courage and positive outlook. She had nothing but praise for them and was always so grateful for their efforts. Mary Lou trusted the Lord to carry her through each day and gave him all the praise for giving her the strength to carry on. She wanted to show God’s love to everyone she met and encourage them in their own faith. Mary Lou brought so much joy to those around her. We all have happy memories of her and these we must hold dear in our hearts and cherish them, as she cherished us.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Keith and Curt; sisters, Valee and Norma; and brother-in-law, Chet Millard.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Arnold of Terry, MT; daughter, Chris of Memphis, TN; son, Craig (Roxanne) CMDR, USN, (RET.) of Marina, CA, daughter, Lynn of Miles City, MT and grandson, Jared of Bozeman, MT; sisters, Joan (George) Jolovich of Washington, UT, & Georgia Morris of Tacoma Park, MD; brothers, Jim of Sheridan, WY, Jack (Jan) of Shelby, MT and Don (Myrna) of Willsonville, OR; sister-in-law, Margo of Canby, OR, brother-in-law, Ivan Sheffy of Lake Havasu City, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.
A prayer service will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 7 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Terry, MT with visitation beginning at 5 p.m. A funeral service will be at the Wesleyan Church in Terry on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held in Columbus, MT on Friday, May 23, 2014 at 2 p.m. at the Smith’s Funeral Chapel with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at the Anderson family plot in Joliet, MT. Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home of Miles City is assisting with arrangements.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Friday May 23, 2014
Smith Funeral Chapel
35 N. Diamond Street
Columbus, Montana 59019
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday May 21, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Friday May 23, 2014
Smith Funeral Chapel
35 N. Diamond Street
Columbus, Montana 59019
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Sharon Cline says
Lynn, I only met your mother that one time, but she seemed like a very special lady. I see a lot of her in you and that is a good thing. I know words cannot express the depth of you and your family’s grief. Having been there myself a year ago I know how tough it is. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. You aren’t alone.
Sharon
Kathy (Hinnaland) West says
To Mary Lou’s family,
I’m so very sorry to hear of your loss. Mary Lou was a special lady and a dear friend of our mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very sad time.
Love, Kathy (Hinnaland) West
georgia morris says
I know my sister is in the arms of our Lord. I pray her children share her great faith that kept her in peace. my sisters and brothers send their love. georgia
Shumon Pius says
My sincere condolences to all of you – especially to Chris and Lynn – I can’t tell you how sorry I am for your loss. God bless you all, Shumon Pius
Carol Larsen says
May God give you comfort these days ahead. I remember visiting with Mary Lou and
she was such a wonderful kind person. My thoughts and prayers are for you. Carol Larsen
Tom & Bernice Buckingham says
Arnold, Chris, Craig and Lynn,
What precious memories we have of your family…The Lord bless you and may His love surround you.
Bob Phalen says
Arnold we are so sorry to here about the loss of Mary Lou. You and here were very important in the progression of our walk with the Lord, thankyou and just know that we love you. Bob
Marty & Jeanette O'Dea says
Our deepest Sympathy to all of your family. Mary Lou was a wonderful person and took such good care of my Dad, that will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family
Love Marty & Jeanette
Kory and Michele Martinson says
So sorry to hear of your loss. Mary Lou was a wonderful lady. Our prayers continue to be for all of her family for comfort and peace in this sad time. Kory and Michele
Kelly & Dulcy Hubbert says
We just wanted to extend our sincere sympathy to your family on the loss of Mary Lou. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Garth Sleight says
My condolences to the Anderson family. This is a difficult loss, to be sure.
I appreciated the great faith that was expressed in Mary Lou’s obituary. At times such as this, it’s our faith that sustains us through the grieving process.
Barb Hinnaland says
My deepest condolences to Mary Lou’s family. She was such a kind and caring person. I am so very sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family of Mary Lou Anderson – It was never the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer or die (Romans 5:12). May God give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). I hope that you are comforted by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).
Chris Anderson says
Uncle Arnold, Chris, Craig and Lynn, if you read this, please call me, Chris Anderson @ (702) 303-9654! I’ve been out of touch way too many years and heartbroken to hear about Aunt Mary Lou!