Roberta Kathleen Anderson, age 95 of Edina, MO died Friday, July 16, 2021 at Northeast Missouri Regional Medical Center in Kirksville. She was born March 2, 1926 near Novelty, MO the fourth daughter of Robert Johnson Perry and Grace Myrtle Perry (Welsh). She was united in marriage to Leroy Edward Anderson on December 16, 1951 in Edina. He preceded her in death March 8, 2005. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Lodema Myrtle Gosney, Sarrah Irene Waibel and Fern Odessa Keith and a great granddaughter Aria Noelle Bel-Long.
She is survived by sons, Eddie (Jeanie) Anderson of Edina, Eric (Chris) Anderson of Sacramento, CA, daughter Lesa Gibbons (Michael) of Columbia, MO, five grandchildren: Susan (Allen) Bel-Long, Sarah Anderson, Stephen Gibbons, Shawn Gibbons and Ryan Gibbons all of Columbia, MO; five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Alyssa, Alexander, Anderson and Eva Bel, and four step great grandchildren: Bridgette, Gabrielle, Zachary and Trevor Long; all of Columbia. She is also survived by a brother Gerald Johnson Perry (Betty) of Novelty, MO.
Roberta received her education at Perry Rural School and was graduated from Novelty High School in 1945. She worked as a nurse at Gibson Hospital in Edina and later operated a small dairy including delivery of milk in town. She and Leroy owned Edina Cleaners and Speed Wash and became a licensed insurance agent. She was proud to be the First Lady of Edina while Leroy was mayor.
She was a charter member and Vice President of Cyril A. Graham American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 261 of Edina. Her signature oyster stew was a popular choice at the annual Veteran’s Day Soup Suppers. She was a devoted member, Sunday School teacher and vocalist at Edina Assembly of God Church for over 70 years. She played piano and along with Leroy was a St Louis Cardinal baseball fan.
Visitation is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Edina. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Monday, July 19, 2021 at the Edina Assembly of God Church with Pastor David Atkins officiating. Masks are recommended.
Musical selections will be congregational hymns.
A private entombment at Linvillle Mausoleum will be held at a later date following cremation.
Casket bearers will be Stephen Gibbons, Shawn Gibbons, Ryan Gibbons, Sam Anderson, Randy Perry and Leon Allensworth.
Memorials may be made to American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 261 or the Edina Assembly of God Church.