Lois Lou Katherine “Heald” Anderson, 91 of Ironton passed peacefully into the loving arms of her Savior Jesus Christ at 2:48 a.m. September 4, 2020, at Oakmont Manor in Flatwoods, KY. She was born January 4, 1929, in Ironton to William and Lillian (Rutledge) Heald.
The Heald family relocated to Ironton where Lillian was a homemaker and Bill was a railway clerk for the U.S. Postal Service. Bill played center for the legendary Ironton Tanks, a team which later became part of the NFL. The history and achievements of the Tanks are memorialized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Lois graduated from Ironton High School in 1946, and after working several secretarial jobs, she entered the United States Marine Corps in 1947. While stationed in Washington D.C., she met Sgt. John James Anderson (Andy) who was an advanced math instructor there. They married on November 14, 1950. After her service in the Marine Corps, they relocated to Ironton, where Lois gave birth to a daughter, Stephanie Adele, two sons, John James II and Michael Anton. The family lived on 13th St. in Ironton. Lois returned to school earning a B.A. in English from Ohio University in 1976. She served as a substitute teacher in the Ironton school system for many years. Family, friends, and visitors to her home found laughter, acceptance, and constant teasing. The soundtracks of great musicals would often provide background for board games, card games, and puzzles. Summers often found the yard populated with tents, and the barbeque grill seemed to never stay cold for long. Gardening was also a passion. An avid reader, Lois stayed current on world affairs through both subscriptions and regular library visits. She collected recorded talks and books from numerous sources and often bought cases of bools to give away to friends. Her true passion was intercessory prayer and worship. She had a beautiful alto voice and filled her home with joyful praise and singing. As an intercessor, she joined in or led numerous payer gatherings that also provided generous support to missionaries serving in danger zones. Her own mission trips took her into Central America, Eastern Europe, and Turkey during times of conflict. The family home was filled with letters, pictures, and postcard maps, from people around the world who were transformed by her love and prayers.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Andy; two brothers, Bill and Don. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Chris) Neff of Portsmouth; two sons, John (Mary) Anderson of Gig Harbor, WA, Michael Anderson of Jacksonville, NC. She counted Chris Neff as a true son and called Mary, her “daughter in love” and best friend. Also, surviving are seven grandchildren, Nathan Neff of Chicago, IL, Cherith Dayspring (Ryan) Fowler of Belton, TX, Jeremy (Rebecca) Anderson of Washington State, John James (Mallory) Anderson III of Washington State, Michael Anderson II of North Carolina, Destiny Haynes and Leyla Sigland, both of New Jersey, 14 great-grandchildren.
Family and friends will gather for a memorial service at a later date, due to the current 2020 COVID pandemic.
WOLFE – NELSON FUNERAL HOME in Sciotoville is handling the arrangements.
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