Jean Rita Anderson
Jean Rita Anderson
Jean Rita Anderson
January 23, 1923 – June 16, 2019
Albia, Iowa | Age 96
Our beautiful, 96 year old mother, joined her loving husband, daddy, mother, and sister in heaven on a very appropriate holiday, Father’s Day. Jean Anderson died at the Monroe Care Center on Sunday, June 16, 2019 following complications from her unforgiving Alzheimer’s disease. We can only imagine the celebration of this heavenly reunion. Jean Rita Geneva Anderson was born January 23, 1923 to Dedrick and Rita (Head) Geneva.
She proudly graduated from Albia High School in 1941, and stayed very active in planning class reunions until her health did not allow. She spent endless hours working on invitations and table centerpieces to make each reunion memorable. She loved her classmates, as they loved her, as she was crowned Homecoming queen 1941.
Jean fell madly in love with a very handsome soldier, Roy L. Anderson and they were married on August 9, 1944. They celebrated 49 years of marriage before Roy’s death in February, 1994. They were blessed with their 4 sons, or as Jean would refer to them as her 4 C’s. How she raised and mothered 4 boys is still a mystery. She and Roy raised a wonderful family, but the addition of daughters-in-law was the icing to her cake. She finally got her girl(s).
Together as a team, Roy and Jean were young entrepreneurs of Albia. From owning and managing the JR Grocery Store, they kept all the high school students in snacks and the neighborhood in fresh cut deli meats. Roy and Jean were gifted with wonderful customer service skills and Roy with a genuine expertise in being a handyman of all trades. This guided them to own and operate the Sears store on the south side of the Albia square, a business they worked hard at and were very proud of. Jean, who was born a natural beauty, was very protective of her face and skin which led her to the side business as a very successful Avon lady. She so loved her lipstick! Her business boomed, which eventually led to the transformation of Chris’ bedroom at 315 South Clinton, to a very crowded “Avon room.” She was convinced she would hit the jackpot saving one of the Avon bottles for future sell.
Jean enjoyed working in the office of Chamberlains Manufacturing Company. She loved having the opportunity to dress up every day and enjoyed shopping for her business office attire, with matching shoes. Although, she was a perfect size 7 ½ shoe, her closet would vary from size 6 to 9 if the shoe was perfect for the outfit. The smaller size she would use a shoe stretcher and the larger size would find tissue stuffed in the toes. Jean never left the house without everything being in place. She was a stunning woman.
Jean had early aspirations of being a nurse but knew she couldn’t change a bed pan, but as her mother aged and needed assistance, Jean provided the support as her loving nurse. We are so very thankful for the ones who do have the compassion to enter the nursing field. The staff at Monroe Care Center have loved Jean as their mother/grandmother and Jean felt this love as she would say, “I love you” to all who assisted her. Jean was always cared for so lovingly and they all share in this loss of her. Thank you for always dressing her up, fixing her hair, putting on her jewelry, applying her nail polish, lipstick, and Estee Lauder cologne. We will never forget your kindness, friendship, and professionalism.
Jean loved her Methodist Church in Albia and was very active with bible studies and ladies groups. As a 77 year old woman, she volunteered to chaperone the Methodist Youth Group to New York in celebration of the millennium year. Although she did find herself alone and lost in Time Square, she was able to navigate back to the hotel and shared stories of this grand adventure for years.
Jean was active, until her health declined, with the Albia Meals on Wheels program, her monthly bridge club gatherings, her country club golf league, bowling league and belonged to the majority of the organizations in Monroe County and City of Albia. She enjoyed her social life and made it fun for all to be around her. Enjoying her exquisite Christmas decorating and family meals were a highlight for all to gather for.
Preceding her in death are her husband, Roy; her parents, Rita and Dedrick Geneva; her sister, Betty Cashmark; a grandson, Corbett Anderson; and a wonderful circle of best friends.
Surviving are her 4 C’s, and their spouses: Craig (& Thomas) Anderson of Kansas City, MO, Christopher (& Sandra) Anderson of Albia, IA, Curtis (& Julie) Anderson of Melrose, IA, and Cevin, yes with a “C”, (& Monica) Anderson of Clive, IA; six grandchildren: Kenyon (& Scott) Delk, Dedrick (& Marla) Anderson, Heather Anderson, Ashlee (& Bryon) Stilley, Jena (& Joe) Shutman and Joel (& Anne) Anderson. She is also survived by 17 great grandchildren; 2 nieces, Debbie Postel and Melanie Everson; a nephew, Daryn Cashmark; a dear cousin, Gretchen Doyle, whom she loved as a sister; and many other relatives.
Mom, Mo, Jean- YOU are our sunshine!
A celebration of Jean’s well lived and loved life will be Friday, June 21, 2019.
Visitation with family from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at the Methodist Church, Albia, IA with the funeral service to follow.
A luncheon will be immediately served in the church social hall.
A private family burial will conclude this celebration of life at Oakview Cemetery, Albia.
In lieu of flowers, her family has chosen “SAVE THE KING”/Theatre as their memorial to honor Jean. Your donations will assist in the fund raising efforts to upgrade and restore the King Opera House in Albia.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Jean Rita Anderson please visit the Tharp Funeral Home Sympathy Store.
