Audrey Anderson, age 82, passed away July 20th, 2018. She was born at home in rural Turner County, South Dakota on July 16th, 1936, the hottest day in state record. Audrey grew up on various farms and attended country schools and Viborg High School. She met Roger Anderson in high school and they married at Spring Valley Lutheran Church on August 12th, 1956. They farmed and fed cattle near Hurley, SD for more than 30 years. Audrey loved raising her three girls, Shari, Lori, and Becki, along with being active in the community and Seventh Day Adventist Church.
After retiring from farming, Roger and Audrey became involved in multiple ministry opportunities at both First Baptist Church in Viborg and Delaware Reformed Church in rural Lennox. During this season, Audrey attended North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 53, where she received two master’s degrees in Divinity and Counseling. Audrey felt called to her work as a chaplain at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, particularly helping people in moments of crisis. Audrey also preached at area churches on occasion.
Following her retirement and the death of her husband, Audrey showed her bravery and independence when she relocated to Aurora, Colorado at the age of 69. During these years, she loved living near family. She enjoyed doing projects around her home, planning cruises and other trips, and becoming involved in Bible studies and small groups at Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church.
In 2013, Audrey moved into Parker Assisted Living in Parker, CO after experiencing the beginnings of memory loss. Shelby, her beloved dog, continued to be her faithful companion there. Audrey continued her lifelong role as a nurturer, encouraging and uplifting residents and caregivers alike. Her positive outlook, selflessness, grace and absolute trust in the Lord continued to astound all who knew her.
Preceded in death by her loving husband Roger Anderson, daughter Lori Blythe, and siblings Donald Jensen (Twyla), Helen Altstiel (Verne), Rosalie Harper (Lloyd), Robert Jensen (Pat), and Joy Jensen.
Audrey will be lovingly remembered by her brother-in-law Curtis Anderson, daughters Sharlotte Scott and Rebecca Andersen, sons-in-law Floyd Scott and Duane Andersen, grandchildren Geoffrey Scott (and wife Amanda), Sarah Scott, Briana Blythe (and husband Greg), Julian Blythe, and Ella Andersen, great-granddaughter Margaret Scott, and eleven nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be at 2:00pm Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Viborg with burial at the First Baptist Cemetery.
Submitted by: Family researcher, L. Ziemann
