Obituary: Anna Sanderson

Anna Bethel Lucile Eshleman Sanderson, 97, of Worthington, died May 18, 2012, at South Shore Care Center in Worthington.

Born July 24, 1914, near Eastend in the Eastbrook area of SW Saskatchewan, Canada, she was the daughter of Roscoe and Emily Asmann Eshleman. She married Arnold T. Sanderson on July 19, 1937, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

She was sent to the United States with her two youngest siblings to live with relatives following the death of her mother after childbirth. She attended the Reading school for three years and graduated from Worthington High School after attending one year.

Following graduation in 1932, Bethel attended Normal Teacher's Training at Central Grade School in Worthington. She then began teaching in a one-room school between Worthington and Reading. Her students spanned kindergarten and seven grades. She did not renew her teaching contract and found work as a bookkeeper for the Nelson-Barber garage in Worthington. Bethel and Arnold resided in Worthington following their marriage.

Bethel lost her sight in 1997 but continued with the help of daughter Dianne to provide care for Arnold, who suffered a stroke in 1992, until he entered South Shore Care Center in 1998. Bethel became a resident of South Shore Care Center in 2006.

Bethel was active in the community in her earlier years and especially enjoyed the "8:30 Club" discussions. She was a natural musician whose talents included singing and playing the fiddle, harmonica and piano. Her most loved activities involved her church First Lutheran in Worthington. She was active in the women's circles, Bible studies, and volunteered for many activities. Bethel was a wonderful cook; her craft honed by the necessity of feeding many harvest crews.

Surviving are her sister Mildred (Baker); son Stanton (Diane) of Hainesville, Illinois; daughter Dianne of Worthington; two grandchildren Mark (Janine) of Round Lake, Illinois and Karen of Island Lake, Illinois; and two great grandchildren Arnold J. and Skyler O. Sanderson of Round Lake, Illinois. Bethel was preceded in death by her husband Arnold and their daughter Judith (Olsen); a sister Arlouine (Stenhouse) and three brothers: Charles, Wilfred and Dwayne. The service will be held on Friday, May 25, 2012, at 2:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Worthington, with the Rev. Richard Ricker officiating. Burial will be in Worthington Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 25, 2012, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the First Lutheran Church, Worthington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Global Health Ministries, First Lutheran Church in Worthington or charity of choice.

Benson Funeral Home in Worthington is in charge of the arrangements.

Tags: anna sanderson, obituaries

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