Arlene D. Anderson

Arlene Dellis Anderson , age 88, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022. She was born in Eureka, South Dakota in 1934 and grew up in North Dakota. She was the eldest of 5 children. Arlene was more than a sister to her siblings, and then reluctantly accepted any credit they gave her for accepting the role of a mother to them after the death of their mother.

Arlene’s career was being a devoted wife and caregiver of her entire extended family. Married to Norman L. Anderson, Jr. for 62 years until his death in 2015, they moved down south to Houston, Texas where they lived for many happy years until retirement. They moved to Knoxville, Tennessee in 2008 to live with their daughter and son-in-law.

Arlene’s greatest achievement was the legacy she left her family, to whom she selflessly gave of herself. Never forgetting a birthday, anniversary, or a touch base call she was always reaching out and helping not only her immediate family but siblings and their children on both sides of the family. At one time or another, many family members spent time living in the Anderson household, from in-laws to grandchildren. Her favorite time spent was with grandchildren, and later in years her great grandchildren as well as her siblings and all her nieces and nephews near and far. She was a strong, brave woman with a positive attitude, a clever wit, and she loved her life. She was a kind soul and taught us all by example, instilling a powerful sense of family and love of life in all of us.

She is survived by her two children and their spouses; her son Michael Anderson and his wife Susan, and her daughter Patricia Nash and her husband Jeffrey Nash. She is survived by all her siblings, Mary Lee Werner, Carol Jean Thompson, Verdell Weisz, and her only brother Arthur Wahl who she raised as a son. Additionally, she is survived by a total of 7 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday August 25, 2022, at 12:30 pm at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Hwy where she will be joined with her husband. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Cancer Society.