Ruth Marie Anderson

Ruth Marie Allison Anderson, 90, of Rock Island, has left us. She died Saturday, March 13, 2010, in her home. Ruth's passing was associated with Alzheimer's disease. Funeral services are 11 am Friday, April 9, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moline. Arrangements are being handled by Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Ruth was an avid creative writer; memorials may be made to Augustana College Theatre Department: Ruth Allison Anderson Playwright Award. Born the daughter of Ben and Hilda (Ostrand) Allison on July 8, 1919, in Moline, she was baptized and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church, East Moline. A champion of education all of her life, her path took her from McKinley Elementary to Moline High School (1937) and Augustana College (B.A., Psychology, 1942). In supporting herself, she worked at Moline Coal Company throughout college. An active member of Phi Rho sorority, Ruth also was selected Vi-Queen (1942). During the war years, she volunteered with the Red Cross in Washington D.C. and Miami, Fla. On Oct. 2, 1944, her 65-year marriage to Everett Anderson Jr. began in Boston, Mass. After the war and a stint at Vogue magazine and Bloomingdale's in New York City, she worked in advertising at McCabes Department Store, Rock Island, and as a writer for WHBF Radio, Rock Island. She also was a buyer for the gift department at Trevor Hardware. Writing was a creative outlet and a dream fostered between family demands. Several plays were written. One was "Teacups and Telephones." Her gift for creative presentation was expressed throughout her life: a comfortable home of treasures, a late career in advertising and marketing, or a simple written note, invitation, Christmas card. Ruth was a member of the Alice Kennedy Circle of King's Daughters and served on the board of directors of Marriage and Family Counseling Service of Rock Island. Always appreciative of Augustana College, she was a member and past president of the Augustana College Endowment Society and a member of the Augustana Alumni Board. Her volunteer efforts also included Brownie Troop leader, Cub Scout den mother, PTA at Denkmann and Eugene Field schools, Sunday School teacher at Trinity Lutheran Church, member of Rock Island YWCA Board of Directors, art volunteer at Davenport Art Museum and as the encouraging Art Lady at various Rock Island schools. Ruthie was a wonderful, spirited mother to her children. Curiosity, independence, adventure and loyalty were guiding traits, all encouraged. She was available, involved and insightful. Given the option of the well-beaten path or an infrequently used side road — the potential adventure and mystery of the side road won out. It was impossible to pass a roadside historical marker. On the side road, you could observe and encounter. Ruth enjoyed flowers, gardening, antiques, golf, tennis, writing, drawing and entertaining. She had an eye for the hidden, the unusual, the contrasting. Her themed parties always were remembered. Ruth and her husband, Lefty, were avid golfers. Ruth played for fun and fresh air. For all their collective time on the links, and in one of life's sweet ironies, it was Ruthie who recorded the only family hole-in-one, on April 21, 1974, on the sixteenth hole at Short Hills Country Club. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Everett "Lefty" Anderson, Jr., and their four children (and spouses), Brice A. Anderson, Sacramento, Calif., Laurie A. Anderson (Kenneth A. Cooper), San Francisco, Calif., Darcy J. Anderson (Steven F. Burke), Rock Island, and Blake M. Anderson (Darcy A. Schluter), Henderson, Nev. Ruth also is survived by six grandchildren, Wilder M. Burke Anderson, August A. Cooper, Quinn F. Burke Anderson, Kelsey R. Anderson, Greer G. Burke Anderson, and Abby K. Anderson. She also is survived by her beloved sister, Helen Allison Anderson, Rock Island, and her loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. We miss her.