Nancy Anderson

Nancy Anderson was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. She cared deeply for her family and friends and sought to help those around her whenever possible. Her caring personality, easy smile, and loving ways will be remembered by all who knew and loved her.

Nancy was born on April 10th, 1931, to James Earl and Rachel "Flo" Farrish in Topeka, Kansas. As a child, she enjoyed time with her friends and older sister Marjorie, visiting family in western Kansas in the summers and learning to play the piano. As a teenager, Nancy sang with the choir at Topeka High School. She next studied sociology at Washburn University, where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, accompanied the Glee club and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

The love of her life was her husband Richard. They were childhood sweethearts who met in music class while in the fourth grade, so it's no surprise their marriage lasted more than sixty-four years. During that time they made their home in Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana, and Ohio before returning to Grand Rapids in retirement. Together, Nancy and Richard provided a warm and stable home for their two sons, Craig and David. Nancy's nurturing personality served her well through the years as a volunteer at Huff School in Grand Rapids, an elementary school secretary in Indianapolis, and an administrative assistant at a senior citizens' apartment in Ohio.

As a couple, Nancy and Richard enjoyed music and travel, visiting Europe and many areas of the U.S., including frequent family vacations throughout western Michigan. They also stayed closely connected to their family in Kansas. Their marriage was rich with laughter and memories of their musical experiences and many travels together.

In the 1970s, Nancy was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Grand Rapids, where she enjoyed making friends in church social groups. She made new church friends when she and Richard moved to Ohio, and found a church home at St. John’s United Church of Christ when they returned to Grand Rapids.

Those who knew Nancy will surely remember her as loving wife, mother, and friend.

Nancy E. Anderson of Grand Rapids, MI age 86, passed away May 23, 2017 at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. She will be deeply missed by her husband, Richard Anderson; sons, Craig (Sally) Anderson of Alto and David (Mary) Anderson of Indianapolis; and two grandsons. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 17th at 2 PM at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes, 2510 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Covenant Village Benevolent Fund, Humane Society of West Michigan, or Feeding America West Michigan. Please visit Nancy's personal webpage to leave a memory or condolence at www.lifestorynet.com.