Marie Anderson

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Marie S. Anderson passed away on May 25, 2010, at St. John's Lutheran Home in Billings. Marie was born January 2, 1917, in Wilsall, to Austin and Ella Swandal, both immigrants from Norway.

Marie was educated in the Wilsall schools. She attended Billings Normal College and Colorado Teacher’s College in Greeley, Colorado. She was a very well liked and respected teacher in the Wilsall and Livingston schools for several years. She spent two years in defense work at McClellan Field, California, and was a member of WAM. In 1944 Marie married Richard E. Anderson and they ranched the Shields River Ranch in the Wilsall area.

Marie was Past Worthy Matron of Chapter 105 Order of Eastern Star in Wilsall, a member of the Wilsall Shields River Lutheran Church, President of the Park County Cow belles, and also did volunteer work at St. John’s Lutheran Home in Billings.

Over the years Marie received much pleasure from her horses at the Wilsall ranch, as well as in the Billings area. She also always had a dog at her side.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three infant brothers, and her long-time companion Lawrence C. Johnston. She is ‘survived by many cousins in the United States and Norway.

A family gravesite memorial service will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery in Livingston. Any memorials may be sent to the Shields River Lutheran Church, Wilsall, Montana 59086, or to St. John’s Lutheran Home, P. O. Box 31397, Billings, Montana 59107.

Aunt Marie was a role model of strength, wisdom, a sense of humor and good sportsmanship. She encouraged people around her to always do their best and to believe in themselves. My favorite memory of her is the grin that brightened her face so often. She will always be in my heart.

Linda Anderson Peterson