Nancy Gale Anderson
May 5th, 1940 – May 1st, 2024
Let me share with you Nancy’s life between those dates and on the dash.
Nancy began her life in Joplin, Missouri. She was born into a family of 4, Ron & Pauline Robson, and her brothers Ron, and Jim. She was the baby of the family and only girl, which her brothers often reminded her of this fact, she was a girl. She was born and raised in Joplin. Went through the school system and later attended Joplin Junior College, which later became known as Missouri Southern College. Her mom and dad had attended that school, as did her two brothers. She finished her education at Kansas State College in Pittsburg, Kansas, receiving her B.S. in Elementary Education.
Bill Anderson, the “rich” turkey farmer from Arkansas, who drove a baby blue Cadillac, came along to Joplin Junior College in 59, met and later married Nancy in July of 62. Nancy taught school in Joplin until 66. They had two boys, Brad and Eric. Nancy was a full time mother until the boys entered Junior High, then she returned to teaching. Later she returned to college and received her Masters. She was chosen to develop with others what was then known as the Probe program in the Ferguson Florissant School District. A program for intellectually gifted students. Nancy enjoyed current events and built curriculum around this general title. She also used a program developed by CNN, and was interviewed by them, that studied World geography, and cultural events. They also participated in a world program with other students that studied and recorded the affects of “acid rain,” popular at the time.
Cancer came into her life and she retired from teaching and began to concentrate on her grandchildren, six in all and now 3 great grandchildren,. She felt blessed with all her family and took great pride in them. While all of them were not in the area, she filled in with Faith Lutheran children and their Sunday Church School program. She took great pride in watching them grow also. She led a servant life for others.
Parkinson’s with Lewy bodies came along somewhere in 2005-6. Her mother and grandmother on her mother’s side had Parkinson. While she was not bothered with the physical/mobile nature of this illness, hers was more cognitive. It quietly consumed her life and energy.
God has Blessed you Nancy, with one possible exception, and you were thankful. Enjoy your new home God, Jesus, and the H.S. has prepared for you.
This was Nancy’s life dash between the two dates of 5/4/1940 – 5/1/2024. She loved and was loved. Thanks Be To God.
Prayers for the Anderson family.
I always thought Nancy was much younger than I but now I understand only two years. Yes she was the youngest of her sibling brothers and me her loving cousin. She looked up to and honored all of us. She was darling, beautiful, sweet happy and loving. I always adored her and thought of her as my little sister. Her mother dressed her in such beautiful dresses. I just wanted to hug her all the time.
I was honored she invited me to be in her wedding to Bill.
As we grew we spent less time together. But the admiration and love stayed forever.
We reconnected several years ago when my husband Jim and I moved to the Kansas City area. I was blessed with our reconnection and time together.
I thank God for Nancy in my life. There was so much deep caring and sharing and always laughter and love. Love and Blessings dear Nancy I feel your presence and we will be together again. Embrace your peace, joy and comfort. Donna Robson Sherman
I started teaching with Nancy when PROBE started. We had so much fun. I always thought Nancy was such a lady the way she walked and dressed. The gifted children loved Nancy and her soft voice she would use with the students. Nancy always talked about her boys and her Bill. Prayers to her family.
I, too, knew and admired Nancy while teaching at Probe. She was so kind and understanding and if ever grace was needed, Nancy was the first to offer it! What a dear, sweet lady!