Sylvia Andersen

Marian Sylvia Andersen, daughter of Audrey (Kugler) and Ralph Williams was born December 27, 1935 in Smith County, Kansas. She departed this life March 28, 2020 at the home of Steven Jones and Julia Mausolf in Torrance, CA at the age of 84.

Sylvia grew up in the Thornburg and Womer communities in Smith County during the Dust Bowl. She was the youngest of eight siblings who called her Silver because of her name, her light blonde hair, and because she was so precious. The family enjoyed a great love for laughter, even during such hard times. Her mother died when she was only two years old. Her father worked very hard to feed and keep his family together. Unfortunately, he passed away when Sylvia was thirteen years old.

Despite their struggles and losses, the older siblings were determined to keep the family together, and maintain love and laughter in their lives. They loved and encouraged one another through many challenges. Sylvia graduated from Smith Center High School in May 1953. She spent her young adult years in Kansas and Colorado. From early marriages, she had her first child, Julia Leanne, in January of 1956 and her second child, Shelly Jo, in August of 1962. She married Alfred (Andy) Charles Andersen March 15, 1965 and their union brought her three step-children, Alfred (Fred) Charles, III, Peter Monroe, and Abbe Leigh, as well as her third child, Rebecca Sue, in February of 1969. Sylvia was a wonderful, loving wife and mother. She was a homemaker when her children were young and later enjoyed a successful career in the banking industry.

Sylvia and Andy moved all around the United States, including North Platte, Nebraska; York, Pennsylvania; Atlanta, Georgia; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Surfside Beach, South Carolina. They enjoyed many wonderful friendships wherever they went. Her love of family brought her back to the mid-West often, and she remained very close to her siblings, nieces, and nephews. After surviving Leukemia in 2003, she and Andy decided to make Red Cloud, Nebraska, their home. She spent her retirement years working at the Willa Cather Foundation and supporting her church and community.

Over the years, Sylvia and Andy hosted many family gatherings full of lots of laughter and music. It made her so happy when people brought their guitars, and everyone would sing together. She became a second mother to many of her nieces and nephews, and they always knew she cared and was there to support them. They, in turn, provided extra love and support as she grew older.

Sylvia loved the Lord, her church, and her many wonderful friends. She also loved to dance, play cards and board games, and study her Bible. She is described by family and friends as kind, compassionate, thoughtful, strong, smart, brave, insightful, and patient. Her last days were blessed by seeing her youngest grandson, Joshua Jordan Eissler, marry the love of his life, Kyla Christine (Watson) on the beach in Redondo Beach, California.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Andy on June 18, 2012; sister, Norma June Peterson; brother, Gayle Williams; sister, Roma Timmons; sister, JoAnne Nichelson; brother, Arden Williams; stepson, Alfred (Fred) Charles, III; and stepson, Peter Monroe.

Left to treasure her memory are her children Julia Leanne Mausolf and fiancé Steven Jones of Torrance, California; Shelly Jo Mausolf and fiancé Jonny VanGieson of New York City, New York; Rebecca Sue Classic and husband John Classic of Oceanside, California; stepdaughter Abbe Leigh Andersen of Los Angeles, California; stepdaughter-in-law Judy Mae Andersen of Yarnell, Arizona; grandsons Joshua Jordan Eissler of Redondo Beach, CA, Eric Monroe Andersen of Prescott, Arizona and Nathan Joseph Andersen of Chandler, Arizona; granddaughters Misty Lea Andersen-Price of Hooper, Utah and Amber Tennile Andersen of Ogden, Utah; 12 great-grandchildren; brother Donn Williams of Cheyenne, Wyoming; sister Wanda Wear of Carthage, Illinois; sister-in-law Cherri Williams of Pueblo, Colorado; many other relatives and friends.

Family graveside services were Thursday, April 9, 2020 at the Fairview Cemetery in Smith Center, Kansas with the Rev. Warren Schoming officiating.

A memorial service for the family and friends will be held in the fall at First United Methodist Church in Red Cloud, Nebraska. 

NO FLOWERS PLEASE.

Condolences for the family may be mailed to:

Rebecca Classic
52 Mongrella Drive
Oceanside, CA 92058

A memorial fund has been established by the family. 

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska  68970

Phone:  402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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