Dorothy J. Anderson

DOROTHY H. ANDERSON “All I ever wanted to be is a MOM” Dorothy J. Anderson fulfilled her life’s ambition. “All I ever wanted to be is a MOM”. Her love and energy was focused on her family. She was “Mom” to the very end – asking questions and dispensing advice until her last hour on earth. Mom died at midnight on Saturday, September 10 of multiple maladies - just eighteen days short of her 95th birthday. She was comforted by her three daughters, Christie, Gayle and Elizabeth and her son, Leith. She assured “I am at peace” before slipping away to meet up with Jesus. Mom was born on September 28, 1921 – the only daughter of Herman and Emma Jaehne. Her character was forged during the Depression. She clipped coupons faithfully every Thursday until last week. Dan Anderson was the love of Mom’s life. They started their young family in Hinsdale, Illinois and finished the job in Whitestown, Indiana. While Dad pursued his career as a sales executive, Mom made sure that each of her children reached their true potential. She was always there when one of the kids needed a little extra help. Later on, Dan struggled with Alzheimers’. Mom was his selfless caregiver until his death in 2001. The farm they bought together in 1971 on County Road 300 in Whitestown was her home for 46 years. Mom was a churchwoman. In Hinsdale, she introduced her children to a life of faith at Union Church. In Whitestown, she was an active member of Traders’ Point Church where she participated in small groups and bible study. Privately, she sought opportunities to volunteer and tutor. She was never too busy to help out. Other interests included extraterrestrial life, literature and current events. She loved show horses and was involved in the business as an investor with her daughter Elizabeth. She didn’t care much for designer fashion but found a way to be the most elegant presence in the room. Mom was lucky to live through the greatest century in American history. In nearly a hundred years, she traded a party line for Gmail and a Model T for a Subaru Forrester. She bought the Subaru brand new when she was 94 – a perfect example of her optimism and confidence. The children and grandchildren formed their own families and scattered across the country. Elizabeth Shatner, married to Bill, lives in Studio City, California. Gayle Anderson is with Matthew Greenwood in Sarasota, Florida. Christie Van Steenwyk is nearby in Fishers, Indiana. Leith joined Mom at the family farm in 2013. Daughter-in-law Bonnie lives with grandson Ryan and his wife Jennifer in Charlotte, North Carolina. Granddaughter Brett is in Stanford, California. Granddaughter Melissa is in Chicago and grandson Judd lives in Bloomington, Indiana. One son, Scott, died in 2010. The family gathers every Fourth of July in Whitestown. Next year will be the forty-fifth family reunion on the farm. A Celebration of Dorothy’s life is planned for October at the Traders’ Point Christian Church. For information call 317-769-6272. Arrangements were handled by Myers Mortuary in Lebanon.

Dorothy J. Anderson

September 28, 1921 - September 10, 2016