Dorothy Sue Anderson

Dorothy Ross Anderson entered her eternal life on June 30th. Dorothy is remembered as one who touched all family and friends with love, kindness and a gentle spirit. On July 6th 1919 Dorothy Anderson was born to Monnie Manning Ross and Maud Findley Ross at their home in Church Hill, Rusk County, Texas. Dorothy was the oldest daughter of 8 children. In that role she helped to raise her younger siblings on their family farm. Her high school years were very special for her, as she lived in town with her dear Aunt Essie and Uncle Oscar Ross, in order to attend Henderson High School. Her stay in their home with her three cousins, Mary, Louise, and Tom, was always a treasured memory for Dorothy. During this happy time she met Fred Anderson, who was to be the love of her life. Dorothy and Fred met in typing class in high school, married in 1937 and enjoyed 57 years together. They lived in various towns in East Texas: Arp, Palestine, Carthage, and Shreveport, La., as Fred pursued his career with United Gas Pipeline. In 1955 they settled in Tyler, where Fred established his own company, Gas Services, Inc., with much guidance and input from Dorothy. Here they raised their two children and Tyler was home until 2012. Activities at Marvin Methodist Church were important to Dorothy. She was a faithful member and served in several offices of the Century Sunday School Class. She was a life member of the Women"s Society of Christian Service and cherished her work in Marvin Methodist and various circles in the Methodist churches of the towns in which she lived. She volunteered her time and service to mentally challenged children through MHMR of East Texas and to patients and visitors of Mother Frances Hospital for many years. Her membership in Tyler Literary Club brought her great pleasure as did her participation in water aerobics at Tyler Junior College until the age of 87. Preceding Dorothy in death are her parents, Monnie and Maud Findley Ross, her beloved husband, Fred, two infant children, Sue and Dean Anderson, brothers Findley Ross and Monnie Ross, her sister Jan Flanagan and nephew John Paul Terry. She is survived by sisters Frances Joplin, and Betsy Terry and Betsy"s husband Ken, and brothers Jim Ross and wife Karen, and Donald Ross and wife Diane. Dorothy"s surviving children are Karen Cochrum and husband George, and Fred R. Anderson and wife Jennifer. Surviving grandchildren are Christy McComb and husband Mark, George Cochrum, III and wife Melinda, Cody Anderson and wife Brenda, Casey Anderson and wife Shelley, Clay Anderson, and Charles Cochrum. Dorothy was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Megan McComb, Matthew McComb, Benjamin Cochrum, James Cochrum, Cooper Anderson, Ethan Anderson, and Graham Anderson. Her seven nieces and twelve nephews survive her as well. Dorothy spent her last year in the care of Wesley House Assisted Living and Wesley Oaks Memory Care in Gilmer, Texas. Her family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the loving care given to her from her many caregivers there. A graveside service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, 2013 at 10:00 A.M. at Cathedral in the Pines in Tyler at 7825 South Broadway. For those desiring to make a memorial contribution, please consider the Alzheimer"s Foundation of America. https://secure3.4agoodcause.com/afa/fundraisers/memorial1.aspx, or Trinity Mother Frances Hospital Foundation. https://www.tmfhs.org/PledgeForm