Thelma Lee Anderson was born in Round Springs, MO, on April 15, 1938, to Henry & Sarah Wood. Thelma Lee was born as the 11th child of 12 and is survived by her younger sister Jeanie Bowen of Salem, MO. She is also survived by her daughter and son in law, Cassie & James Olson and her grandchildren and their spouses, Saralyn & Luke Wagner and Andy & Nancy Olson, and by her one year old great-grandson, Denver James Wagner.
Thelma Lee met her husband, Denver Earl Anderson in Salem. Denver Earl & Thelma Lee were married January 22, 1955. They were married for more than 70 years before Denver Earl proceeded her in death on February 9th of this year.
Thelma Lee attended a one room schoolhouse known as Simmons School, located in rural
Dent County. After completing the 8th grade, she went to work at the International Shoe Company in Salem. She later received her GED and subsequently was employed as an office worker for the State of Missouri in Jefferson City.
Thelma Lee and Denver Earl had their first child, Tracy Earl in April of 1961. Tracy proceeded his parents to heaven in October of 1999. In November of 1972, they had their second child, Cassie Lynn. Through the years the Andersons lived in Jefferson City, MO, Charlotte, NC, Kansas City, MO, Springfield, MO and Tulsa, OK. Throughout the years and wherever they called home, Thelma Lee’s greatest joy and service was to her family.
Thelma Lee gave her heart to Jesus as a child, attending New Home Baptist Church. Her school teacher, Otto Schaefer, was also a minister who had an influence on her early spiritual development and baptized her along with her sister Jeanie and her mother Sarah. In her mid-20’s, Thelma Lee grew in her personal relationship and walk with Jesus as she and Earl began regularly attending church and ministry meetings. Prayer for her children and family became a regular part of her daily life. Thelma Lee continued living as a faithful believer who loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and strength until the end of her time here on Earth.
Thelma Lee will be remembered for many notable attributes. She was a truly talented cook and pie maker, often making delicious feasts for the whole family. She spared no expense or effort to have the best of everything when she cooked. She was dedicated to keeping a perfectly clean and classy home. Even near the end of her time with us, she was shaking out all the rugs in her house every day and that was just the beginning of her daily cleaning routine. More than anything, she and Earl were always generous with time and resources to show love and service to their family. Although we will miss both of them, we celebrate that they are together again with Tracy, now in the presence of the Lord and in perfect health and peace.
The Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, May 9th, 2025, with the visitation one hour prior at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home: 500 E. Walnut Street, Springfield, Missouri 65806, burial will follow at Maple Park Cemetery, in Springfield, Missouri.
