Shirley Ann Anderson's Obituary
Shirley Ann Anderson, 89, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Granite City, IL.
She was born Shirley Ann Hurst to the late Mabel Florence Raney (née Crocker) on November 28, 1935, in Overland, Missouri, in the Greater St. Louis area. On May 16, 1959, she married the love of her life, James Marion Anderson, Jr., and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, adventure, and family.
Shirley retired from the United States Postal Service but kept busy working as a temp for several businesses in the St. Louis area after retirement. She had an effortless sense of style—always polished, always classy, with impeccable taste in everything from fashion to home décor. She and James shared a love for travel and fishing, making memories everywhere from the Florida Keys to their peaceful getaway at Lake Egypt.
More than anything, Shirley cherished her family. She made Christmases magical and spent countless hours at the St. Louis Zoo with her grandkids and great grandkids, making every visit special. She loved movies and music and, even in her later years, could be found boogie-woogieing with friends at the nursing home. Her sharp wit and wisdom remained, even as Alzheimer’s challenged her, proving that some things—like a strong spirit—never fade.
She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond words.
Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, James Anderson; her three half-sisters, Margaret “Nita” Branson (née Talley), Betty Jane Germanceri (née Talley), and Jewell Skaggs (née Talley); her son, James Steven Anderson; her daughter, Terry Lindsay (née Anderson); her grandson, James Jason Setzer; and her dear friend at the nursing home, John Wilson.
She is survived by her daughter, Marsha Ann (John) Kittel (née Anderson); four granddaughters: Jennifer (Mark) Troedel of Valencia, CA; Melissa (Dave) Mothershead of Fults, IL; Dana (Scott) Kraut of Belleville, IL; and Katie (Joe) Wojtena of Chicago, IL; ten great-grandchildren: Ashley Waln, Kelsie (Cody) Wetzler, James Logan Ketchum, David Mothershead, Kayla Troedel, Miranda Troedel, Nicholas Davis, Max Mothershead, Kirsten Troedel, and Buckley Wojtena; two great-great-grandchildren, Nolan Wetzler and Madison Barnett; and many other loving family members and friends.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion during this time.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo, IL, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm. Interment will take place at Lake View Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society, which was one of her favorite charities.
For more information, please visit www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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