Sue Ann (Sowers) Anderson was born on October 2, 1936, in Oak Park, IL to Herschel Fai and Rhoda Ellen (Bready) Sowers. Sue, and her twin brother Stan, had two older brothers Herschel Jr, and David. Sue and Stan always had a special bond as twins.
Sue graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, IL and attended Elmhurst College. In her late teens, she was a model and appeared in advertising for Chicago area businesses.
Sue met her husband, Leland Fred Anderson, in October of 1955 and they were married on June 30, 1956, at Epiphany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Elmhurst, IL. Their wedding day was also the 50th anniversary of Sue’s grandparents, Cecil and Nettie Bready, and they celebrated together.
In 1961, Lee and Sue, and their young family, relocated to El Paso, TX where they were active members of Ascension Lutheran Church. While her life was devoted to raising her children, she found joy in serving the Lord through her local church, and especially her commitment to LWML, where she was president of the Rocky Mountain District. Sue served as the church secretary and Vacation Bible School Director for many years. Sue and Lee relocated to Helena, Montana and were members of First Lutheran Church.
Sue is survived by Lee, her husband of almost 66 years, her brother Stan (Barbara) Sowers, her children Jeff (Cindy) Anderson, Debbie (Craig) Ritchey, and Cindy (Jim) Utterback. Also, grandchildren Chris (Samantha) Anderson, Katie (Brian) Burkhart, Meaghan Ritchey, Emily (Caleb) Hoffmann, Jordan (Emily) Ritchey, as well as great grandchildren Heidi and Ella Anderson, Jonah, Levi and Paxton Burkhart and Seeley Hoffmann.
The family would like to thank the Touchmark community and caregivers. Thank you to Marie Lavinder and Stephanie Meadows for their love and care of our beloved wife and mother over the last few years. We are forever grateful.
Sue held the words of Philippians 4:13 dearly, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
A private family service was held at First Lutheran Church in Helena, followed by burial at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to First Lutheran Church, God’s Love, Inc. of Helena, Helena Food Share, or Prickly Pear Land Trust.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Geoff Keller says
Cindy, Debbie and Jeff,
I’m sorry to hear about your mom, I’ll keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Jill Anderson says
I have such wonderful memories of Sue…my family visiting hers in El Paso and visits from Sue and Lee to us in Colorado. Each visit was always relaxing, interesting, and filled with joyous laughter. She was a very accomplished person, so dedicated to her family and her church. I’m so sorry for the loss, Lee and family, of her physical self. Our world needs more people like her!
Susan Proul says
Cindy and family…so sorry for your loss. keep memories close in your hearts. May she Rest In Peace