Ellen L. Anderson
January 26, 2017
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Ellen L. Anderson passed away at Ramsey Village on her 91st birthday, January 26, 2017. She left this world peacefully after a long and happy life.
Services will be held at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave, Des Moines. Visitation will be Sunday, January 29, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Funeral service will be Monday, January 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., with burial at Pine Hill Cemetery, Saylorville, Iowa.
Ellen was born in Kent, Iowa, the only child of Harvey B. and Florence “Flossy” George. She graduated from Creston High School and went on to study nursing at the University of Iowa. She has been a resident of the Des Moines area since August of 1950. While working at Ford Motor Company, she met her husband, Walter and they were married on August 10, 1957. Ellen was a very active person and loved to be busy. She loved gardening, watching the birds and wildlife in her yard, bowling with friends, going to the Playhouse and Comedy Club, going out to eat, and taking care of her pets. She spent her life helping and supporting other people.
Following her employment with Ford Motor Company, Ellen worked as a Registered Nurse for 35 years, and also for Central Life Insurance Company. She was a member of Grace Methodist Church and the University of Iowa President’s Club. She enjoyed being involved with Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9662 Auxiliary and organizing the Salvation Army’s Dress-A-Doll Project. She played the organ at the Iowa State Fair and the Des Moines Veterans’ Hospital. She also played Santa Claus for different organizations, gave scholarships to young people seeking a nursing career at the U of I, and she volunteered in various capacities at the DMVA for 33 years. Ellen was a friend to many and touched a lot of people during her lifetime.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Walter G. Anderson in 1996.
Memorial contributions may be directed to University of Iowa Ellen Anderson Scholarship Fund or to the Salvation Army.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Steve Nordwick
01/30/2017
In memory of Ellen George Anderson.
Ellen was my mom's (Lace Heimke Nordwick) closet first cousin. Following her father's death as a little girl, my mom spent vast amounts of time with Ellen's family and considered her more of an older sister. My sister, who was named after Ellen, and I had formative years with our cousin on vacations.
She and Walt were bigger than life, huge practical jokers, and could be wonderfully stubborn. Did you know they once had their bed frame cave in and lived with it like that for a year? They each insisted the other one's side of the bed fell in first so they shouldn't be the one to fix it. Ellen loved a giant smiley face and had a huge one on a tee shirt. One time before going out to a nice Italian dinner, Walt insisted she change clothes before we leave. Without uttering a word, she went to change and came out wearing her coat to the car. Once seated for dinner, she made the biggest production of removing the coat to reveal her Smiley tee shirt. She turned around and around modeling it. Hysterical.
Both Ellen and Walt gave so much of themselves through volunteer work that I would underestimate their contributions in trying to list them. Certainly one of Ellen's favorites was dressing as Santa at the VA hospital which occupied so much of their hearts.
Looking back on our childhood time with Ellen, my sister and I have special memories of playing with antique toys that came to life with a coin, making waffle iron cookies, collecting eggs and making apple sauce at her mother's farm, bowling, going to amusement parks both in the Midwest and in California, and so much laughter. As a side note, I'm convinced my sweet tooth was inherited from Ellen. She loved a good caramel corn, homemade ice cream with extra vanilla, and salt water taffy.
On behalf of my mother, who passed just over a year ago, my father Floyd, sister Ellen, Doug, Taylor, and Connor, we are so proud to have called Ellen, family. She was kind and generous and funny and a free spirit. I know you are with my mom, Walt, Grandma Fern and Grandpa, Aunt Flossie and Uncle Harvey. We love you forever. 91 on the dot. I can just hear you say, "Well, wasn't that something?!" Rest In Peace.
Angie Sage
01/30/2017
Ellen was a great volunteer at the VA Medical Center helping Veterans each and every time she came out to volunteer. She was such a great person and inspiration to all.
Kelly Coppola
01/30/2017
I looked forward to taking care of Ellen daily. She was witty and interesting and she enjoyed people. We laughed alot together. The world was a better place because she was here and now heaven is better too. Heartbroken but truly happy for her, she will be missed but will always smile when i think of her. Great lady!
Carol & Mike Holmes
01/29/2017
Oh what a friend you were Ellen! We had many good times together, especially doing skits (you missed your calling, you should have been an actress! Im sure that you will liven up Heaven!!) You could ad lib so well. You were also there for me during the sad times too. You have been a mentor to me over the years. You became one of our family sharing holidays together. When I retired, I followed your footsteps becoming a volunteer at the VA.
*I also want to share a couple memories of Ellen. *
Remember the time you & I went to the Des Moines Airport to send Dept. VFW Auxiliary President Marilyn Horrell (1986-87) off to Hawaii? She had been at our Auxiliary meeting on the night before and when we got home, not sure who called who (this was before cell phones) but a plan was made. We dressed up like little kids I was in a nightgown and you were in Walts pajamas. We had a dolly, wagon, colors to draw with. At that time, we could go through security right up to the plane. Was Colleen & Marilyn surprised to see us there!! We sat on the floor and drew pictures for Marilyn. Couldnt believe that you could kick your leg up that high! We tried to get on the plane with Marilyn but they wouldnt let us. Marilyn was glad that you had put together a sack lunch for her because the airline forgot to have a diabetic meal for her. All of this was done very early morning with Walt & Mike asking each of us when we got home what we were out so early looking like that. Then I got ready and made it to work at 7 a.m.
*You did some traveling with me. Remember stopping in the Amanas and they charged you for that paper thin lemon for your water??? I think of it every time I ask for lemon in my water.
*So glad that you came into our life. Thank you for the good times, sad times, love and laughter over the years. We are going to miss you. Much love, Carol (& Mike, too) Holmes
Dixie Burchfield
01/29/2017
Ellen was a wonderful neighbor and friend. Missed her so much when she had to move to Ramsey, knowing well it was the best thing for her. Always drive down the street with a smile on her face and a wave and,occasionally stopped to visit with her busy schedule. She always welcome the new people on the block and made quick connections with them. She helped out with house sitting and garden and pet care at a moments notice.
So happy she can rest in peace now with none of her worlds' problems. It was time.
Robert E. Arnold, Ed.D. - VA Chaplain
01/29/2017
With her gracious and loving spirit, Ellen provided piano music to Sunday services for our veterans at the VA Medical Center in Des Moines. She persistently did this, while suffering many restrictive health issues, but always with a smile and a tease. Ellen's spirit was a constant inspiration to all VA staff and patients. She will be missed but we rejoice in her arrival at God's side, a place she so rightly deserves.