Myrtle Anna Anderson, 84, New Palestine, passed away June 6, 2011 in Indianapolis. She was born Sept. 21, 1926 in Sugar Creek Township to parents Thomas W. and Nellie M. (Smith) Larrabee. Attending physician was, her uncle, William H. Larrabee.
She was a graduate of New Palestine High School, Class of 1944. Mrs. Anderson met the man she would marry and be together with for the remainder of his life, a handsome Sergeant who had the honor of bringing back the remains of her brother, PFC John Larrabee, killed in action in Italy during WWII. After Ashley Anderson’s return from the Korean War, Ashley and Myrtle Anna were married July 19, 1951. Mrs. Anderson began her working career at Eli Lilly as well as the U.S Army while her husband was located at Ft. Knox, Ky. Upon the couple moving back to the New Palestine area, Mrs. Anderson became a homemaker and raised three children: Mary, Jeff and Eric and would eventually re-enter the working world with the USPS where she would retire. Mrs. Anderson was a life-long member of New Palestine United Church including being baptized on March 25, 1934. Mrs. Anderson, along with her husband, sang in the church choir for decades and was a stalwart supporter of the church through many suppers and the construction of the fellowship hall/classroom facility. The Anderson family had the privilege of maintaining the church for many years. Besides her church fellowship, she was the 4-H leader of the Bonnie Lassies and for many years worked in the electoral/voter registration process. Myrtle Anna was an avid gardener and loved the birds and wildlife attracted to their home. Myrtle delivered devotionals, tote Meals and regularly visited the sick. Mrs. Anderson will be most remembered for her love and gentle guidance to her children and grandchildren, her support to the church, her kindness to her many friends and her love and devotion to her husband.
Survivors include daughter, Mary Ellen (Elden) Lewis; sons, Jeffery Eldon Anderson and Eric Brent Anderson; grandchildren, Amy Lewis, Kyle Lewis, Justin Anderson and Jacob Anderson.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Ashley, as well as brothers, Thomas Larrabee, John Larrabee, Pat Larrabee, Mike Larrabee and grandson Todd Lewis.
Services will be at 12:00 noon, June 10, 2011 in New Palestine United Church, 15 E. Main St., New Palestine, IN. Calling will be from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on June 9, 2011 at Hendryx Mortuary, Cumberland Chapel, 11636 E. Washington St., Cumberland, IN with additional calling from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Friday, June 10, 2011 in the church. Burial will be in New Palestine Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to New Palestine United Church. Condolences can be sent to [email protected]
