Mary Louise Anderson

Mary Louise Anderson, age 99, formerly of Buffalo, Mo. but most recently residing at the Republic Nursing Home, Republic, Mo., went to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 13, 2023. Mary was born on November 12, 1923, in Sedalia, Mo., to Norvel and Gertrude Lane, the third child of eight. Mary attended Quisenberry grade school and graduated from Smith-Cotton High School in Sedalia, Mo., in 1941. She then attended Southwest Bible College in Bolivar, Mo. In May of 1942, Mary was contracted by the school board district #84 in Pettis County Missouri to be the grade school teacher in Crystal Springs, Mo. She taught from September 1942 to May 1943. Her teaching career ended after one year due to the district consolidation. During WWII, Mary supported the USA by working as a file clerk at the aircraft engine plant, Pratt and Whitney in Kansas City, Mo. On February 17, 1945. Mary was united in marriage to Oscar Leland Anderson, who preceded her in death on February 6, 2006. Mary and Leland were parents to four daughters: Welona Mary Smith, Sheryl Ann Johnston, Leta Pearl Saner, and Vaunda Joyce Logan. Mary attended the Disciples of Christ Church and was active in the women’s auxiliary of both the Lions Club and the VFW in Buffalo, Mo. After moving to Willard, Mo., in 2015, she attended the Willard Community Christian Church and regularly enjoyed the weekly luncheon and playing Bingo with the Willard seniors. Mary loved sewing, quilting, gardening, fishing, and traveling whenever the opportunity arose. She also found joy in bird watching, especially the hummingbirds. To many, Mary was the best cook ever. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughters Sheryl Johnston and Leta Saner, brothers Melvin Lane, Ralph Lane, Shelby Lane, sisters Ruby Bopp, Doris Warren, and Grace Leicher. Mary is survived by her daughters Welona Smith and husband Gary of Springfield, Mo., and Vaunda Logan and husband Keith of Willard, Mo., eight grandchildren Misty, Mindy, Ryan, Randyn, Rustyn, Rydell, Trever, and Kacie, nine great-grandchildren, one sister Alberta Bock of Valencia, Ca., and many other extended family members and beloved friends. Services will be held on Monday, August 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cantlon-Otterness and Viets Funeral Home, 931 W. Main St. Buffalo, Mo 65622. Interment will follow at the Lindley Christian Cemetery in Buffalo, Mo. Visitation will be held the hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Tim Case officiating. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cantlon-Otterness and Viets Funeral Home, Buffalo, Mo.

Mary Louise Anderson

November 12, 1923 - August 13, 2023