Leona Kathleen Anderson

Another angel just got her wings. Our Mom, Leona K. Anderson, passed away on Friday, February 11, 2022, dying of natural causes. She lived a full and happy life, using all of her energy and endurance right to the end.

Mom was born August 6, 1932, on the family farm near Des Lacs, ND. She joined siblings Myrtle, John, Alfred and Leora, as the youngest of twin girls born to John and Myrtle Young. Her schooling began at the country school in Burt Township; at age 12 the family moved to Minot. She continued her education at Minot Senior High School and went on to major in accounting at Minot State Teachers College. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Leo’s Catholic Church.

On a blind date in 1953, she met tall and handsome, Marvin Anderson. They married in 1954 and moved to Westby, MT to begin a new adventure together. Dad worked as the operator of a grain elevator and Mom became his full-time bookkeeper and accountant, a partnership that flourished and continued through all of their future business endeavors. While living in Westby they joined the Lutheran Church and were soon blessed with three daughters, Deborah, Jeannine and Lori. Despite working full-time for Dad, she was still the best “stay at home Mom” ever!! Be it kissing Boo-Boo’s, patching our jeans or teaching us things that every young girl needs to know, Mom was always there.

In 1967, a new business opportunity (gas stations, tire store and other businesses) prompted the family to move west to Polson, MT. It was the move of a lifetime; to be able to live in the beautiful Flathead Lake Valley. The family became members of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Mom discovered she had lots of friends and relatives who loved to visit now that she lived in paradise.

In 1992 Mom moved to Billings, MT where she once again became an active mother and grandmother to her family. She enjoyed every activity her grandson was involved in and travel was never a consideration – She was going!! Mom was a member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. For the past 6 years she lived in a retirement facility where she blossomed and enjoyed meeting many new people. Everywhere Mom lived she made many special and wonderful friends.

Leona was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband (in l981) and oldest daughter (in 1982).

Survivors include her daughters, Jeannine (Robert) Schalla and Lori Anderson; her grandson Ryne (Amber) Mading and her two cherished great-grandchildren, Madison and Ben, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Our family wishes to extend a very special “thank you” to all those at the retirement facility, who helped to enrich Mom’s life during her final years.

Condolences may be sent to the family c/o Jeannine Schalla, P. O. Box 1473, Billings, MT 59103.
The family suggests donations be made to charities of your choice. In lieu of gifts, take a drive on a sunny day and stop for ice cream; one of our Mom’s favorite things.