May 6, 1919 — April 12, 2021
TOMAH - Anna Eloise Miller Anderson, 101, of Tomah, died Monday, April 12, 2021, at her daughter’s home in the town of Ridgeville.
She was born on May 6, 1919, to Richard Jefferson and Edith Irene (Finger) Miller in a sod house in Coal Springs, South Dakota. The family soon moved to Thunder Hawk, SD, where she attended a Native American school through the 8th grade. When she was 16 they moved to Nebraska where she met and, at 20, was married to Leland Francis Anderson on Sept. 24, 1939 at Ainsworth, NE, by Rev. F.E. Anderson. They were married for 64 years.
Anna and Leland farmed for 27 years in the Wilton area and Anna was always right by Leland’s side working on the farm. She was a fabulous cook and baker and she loved to read and write original prose and poetry. Anna was always involved in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From the time she was a young girl, she would sing gospel trios on the radio with her two sisters. She later learned to play the piano and instilled the love music to her children, teaching them to play and sing.
She was the church pianist for over 35 years. On top of all of her daily chores on the farm and in the home, she also taught Sunday School most of her life. She taught all ages… from young children and teenagers to adults. Many of her Sunday School students are today pastors, evangelists, and missionaries. Anna was also involved in many community groups such as Women for Christ; Women’s Aglow; and a writing group with which she shared her gift of writing and has had many of her stories published in local papers. Anna has two published poem books as well as her biography.
After retiring from farming, Anna and Leland traveled for 8 years in their fifth-wheel camper all over the US, but they always made sure they spent a month or so parked in the yards of each of their children. When they came off the road, they settled back down in the Tomah area and Anna helped her daughter, Leanne, with her Community Based Residential Facility in the town of Ridgeville. It was quite comical when Anna would refer to the senior residents as “the old people” when she, herself, was by far older than all of them there but one. Anna was always very active, full of life and aged so graciously.
Ask anyone who knew Anna and they will tell you that she was one of the most loving, caring and gentle women they ever knew. Not a gossiper and never a cruel word to come from her lips. To know her was to love her! She was a devoted, affectionate, and amazing wife, mother, and grandmother. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Anna is survived by 3 daughters, Leanne (Jack) Allen of Tomah, Betty (Cecil) Waldron of Rifle, CO, Melodee (Richard) Lujano of Tomah, a son Wayne (Randi) Anderson of Fond Du Lac, WI. 16 grandchildren, Kevin Moore, Kent (Sarah) Moore, Karmen (Greg) Bernacchi, Kurt (Seleena) Moore, Robin Parker, Matt (Kendra) Robinson, Jay Robinson, Kelly Robinson, Jamie (Gina) Gnewikow, Mark (Sarah) Gnewikow, Tammy Rushing, Heather Moses, Tavis Moses, Jessa Brady, Jenna (Ryan) Shubert, Hannah (Mike) Thorelli, 31 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-grandchildren.
Anna was preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Richard Miller, her husband, Leland Anderson, two sisters, Margaret Marler and Billie Bailey, and two son-in-laws, James Moore and Edward Robinson.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021, 1:00 P.M. at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church. Pastor Kirk Brown will officiate. Burial will be in at a later date.
Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday at the Lighthouse Assembly of God Church from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. and on Saturday at the church from 12:00 Noon until the time of the services.
The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, Tomah, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Those in attendance are encouraged to wear a mask and use CDC recommended guidelines for Social Distance and Safety Measures.
The Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
