
Shirley Mae Anderson, age 98 of Highland, IL, died Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Breese Nursing Home in Breese, IL.
She was born on Thursday, April 21, 1927, in Highland, IL, the daughter of Elmer and Florence (nee Geller) Mueller.
On Wednesday, November 8, 1950, she married Earl "Moon" Robert Anderson in Arkansas, who passed away on Saturday, March 24, 2012.
She was a member of Evangelical United Church of Christ. She was also a member of Women's Guild of Evangelical United Church of Christ, Auxiliary to V.F.W. Post #5694, Highland, IL, Belleville Area College's Seniors Volunteer Program, Belleville, IL, Senior Citizen Club, Highland, IL, and the St. Louis Polka Club, St. Louis, MO.
Mrs. Anderson was born on the family farm north-west of Highland, IL in Marine Township. She grew up there and attending the old Oak Grove Grade School in St. Jacob Township. She was a 1945 graduate of Highland High School. Shirley worked at Alton Box Company until 1951; then raised her family. She reentered the job market in 1967 to work at Highland Auto White Sales; she left there in 1969 and went to work at Tri-Ford in Highland. She retired in 1981. Her pride and joy were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, dancing and playing cards. In her retirement, she volunteered for over 30 years at the Highland Home, teaching exercise classes three times a week. She also worked as a house sitter at the Highland Home on a part-time basis.
Survivors include:
- Son - Wayne E. (Joan) Anderson, Highland, IL
- Daughter - Di Ann (Gary) Rufer, Highland, IL
- Grandson - Michael (Christine) Anderson, Highland, IL
- Grandson - Christopher (Paige) Anderson, Highland, IL
- Granddaughter - Andrea (Keith) Woll, Highland, IL
- Granddaughter - Shelly (Jack) Bittle, Saint Jacob, IL
- Great Grandchild - Robert Bittle, Saint Jacob, IL
- Great Grandchild - Wyatt Anderson, Highland, IL
- Great Grandchild - Nolan Anderson, Highland, IL
- Great Grandchild - Hattie Anderson, Highland, IL
- Great Grandchild - Easton Anderson, Highland, IL
- Great Grandchild – Kolton Anderson, Highland, IL
She was preceded in death by:
- Husband - Earl "Moon" Robert Anderson died 3/24/2012
- Father - Elmer Ferdinand Mueller, died 6/20/1979
- Mother - Florence Louise Mueller, nee Geller, died 8/03/1987
- Brother - Duane "Butch" Mueller, died 11/25/1977
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL.
Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Evangelical United Church of Christ in Highland, IL, with Rev. William E. Kapp, pastor, Evangelical United Church of Christ, officiating.
Interment will be at Keystone Cemetery in Saint Jacob, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Home; Highland Senior Center; Evangelical United Church of Christ; or Charity of Donor's Choice.