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Lois M. Anderson

Lois M. Anderson   Lois M. Anderson 81, of Galesburg, IL died at Rosewood Care Center in Galesburg, IL on July 29, 2013 at 5:45 p.m.

The daughter of Julian L. and Nellie A. Fordney Dillion, she was born June 20, 1932 in Gorin, MO. They came to Monmouth when she was a girl and she attended Monmouth Public Schools. She later studied and received her G.E.D. in her thirties.

Lois first married Lyle E. Kelley, Sr. and then later was married to Raymond T. Johnston in March of 1956 in Galesburg, IL. He preceded her on November 10, 1969. She then was married to Earl D. Anderson on August 5, 1974 in Oquawka, IL and he preceded her in death in August of 1992.

Lois first worked briefly at Formfit as a seamstress, then was a homemaker and worked at domestic home cleaning for many families for the most of her life. She also worked ten years in housekeeping and laundry at both Monmouth Hospital and Community Memorial Hospital from 1964 to 1974. Lois was devoted to her family, pets, and all living things; especially the many cats she had throughout her life. She was a great supporter of animal rights and would do whatever she could to help until her health no longer allowed her to.

Lois believed in bettering oneself whenever possible. She took CNA, psychology and poetry courses during her lifetime. She had one of her poems published in a book of poetry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son, Charles, sister, Leora Jackson, brother-in-law, Roger Armstrong, two nephews, one great nephew and one niece.

She is survived by her daughter, Marvelle (Rueben) Alfaro of Galesburg, IL; son, Lyle E. (Lynn) Kelley of Burlington, IA; six grandchildren, Dawn (Lance) Malcolm of Galesburg, IL, Kirk (Bobbi) Ishmael of Springfield, IL, Raymond (Stephanie) Kelley of Lakewood, CO and Jennifer Kelley of Waterloo, IA; step grandchildren, Susan (Chris) Carlson of Galesburg, IL and Kami Philbee of Peoria, IL; sixteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Noralyn A. Armstrong of Memphis, MO and Mary ( Delbert E.) Dillon of Jacksonville, AK; along with several nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to either the Hospice Compasses or the Western Illinois Animal Rescue and can be left at or mailed to the Payne Funeral Chapel, 202 E. Madison St, Memphis, Missouri 63555.

Graveside services were held at the Indian Creek Cemetery in rural Scotland County, MO southeast of Memphis Friday morning, August 2, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dan Hite officiating.

Local arrangements were under the direction of the Payne Funeral Chapel in Memphis.