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Submitted: 8/10/19 • Approved: 8/12/19 • Last Updated: 8/13/19 • R269964-G145982-S3
Elsie Viola (Swanson) Anderson was born December 7, 1910 to Andrew and Esther (Nelson) Swanson in Valley Springs, SD. She was baptized December 23, 1910 at Beaver Valley Lutheran Church. The day also marked the celebration of her grandparent's 50th anniversary, which ended by reading Psalm 91 for them and generations to come. In 1929 Elsie graduated from Valley Springs High School. She graduated Jun 10, 1932 as a Registered Nurse through the Sioux Valley Hospital program.
Elsie became Mrs. Merritt Ellis Anderson on August 26, 1936. Elsie and Merritt lived in Volin, Murdo, Howard, Watertown and Chamberlain. They had three children before Merritt's death on January 5, 1952. As a young widow Elsie and her children returned to Valley Springs. She devoted her life to diligently providing for her three children. In fact Elsie worked as a RN until she was in her 70s.
After her grandchildren arrived she spent her vacations with them. She and her siblings and friends remained devoted to one another through the years. Elsie was always there for anyone who had a need. She will be remembered for keeping a small note book in which she wrote important things you shared with her and was certain to ask you about them the next time you met.
She was preceded in death by all of her siblings; Ralph, Howard, Blanch (Outka), Art, and Doris (Skillman).
Proverbs 31 says "her children shall rise up and call her blessed." Our words to describe Elsie would be devoted, loving, king, giving, energetic, diligent and resourceful, faithful friend of all, and trusting in the Lord.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses, seven grandchildren and their spouses, and six great-grandchildren.
Since 1988 Elsie has suffered from arthritis. She has been confined to Good Samaritan Convalescent home since breaking her hip in August 2003. Her family weeps, but rejoices she is no longer in pain and has gone to be with her Lord forever and ever.
Contributed on 8/10/19 by christin2424
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Record #: 269964