ANDERSON, Mary Marie

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Published Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - On Feb. 21, 2012, Mary Marie Anderson left this earth to look over her family. Marie was born in Erick, Okla., on Nov. 18, 1928, to Hattie C. and Charles D.L. Hess, the sixth of seven children and their only daughter. They settled in Patterson, Mo. She graduated from high school in 1944 at the age of 16. After graduation, Marie attended Southeast Missouri State and obtained a teaching certificate, after which she taught in rural, one-room schoolhouses for several years. In 1948, she met Kenneth Anderson and they were married April 23, 1950. Marie was a Brownie troop leader, a room mother and was very active in the PTA. She was also, actively involved at Marvin Park United Methodist Church, where she and Ken served as advisors. In 1964, Marie also began working at McDonnell Aircraft. Marie became the executive secretary in the Public Relations Department, during the Gemini Space Program. Marie was a volunteer at Havasu Regional Medical Center, working in the gift shop, with the ability to empathize with people; she loved talking to the customers and helping them finds just the right gift. Marie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Boots, Rocky, Joe, Otho, Morris and Allen; nieces, Barbara Hess and Elizabeth Haas; and great-niece, Kristen Moore. She is survived by her husband, Kenneth; daughters, Linda (Robert) Messervy, and Beverly (Craig) Martens; grandchildren, Kenneth Anderson II, Bryce Martens (Alexis Dintelman) and Abby Martens (Kyle Rollins); and great-grandsons, Kenneth Anderson III and Masyn Jeffery Martens. Her “adopted” grandson, Rex (Jennifer) Arnold and their son, Jacob; her sisters-in-law, Mary Bristow and Merle Hess; and many nieces and nephews. Donations can be made in Marie’s name to the Polidori House 1970 Bahama Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403. Services will take place at a later date to be determined by the family.