Mary Elizabeth Anderson

Mary Elizabeth Schwab Anderson passed away in her daughter's home, on May 29, 2013 in St. Joseph, MO. Mary Elizabeth was born on April 1, 1920 in Cherokee, KS to Ethel Turkington and Lewis Samuel Schwab. She spent her childhood in Cherokee, KS attending the public schools and the First Presbyterian Church. Mary received a B.S. in Home Economics Education from Pittsburg State Teachers College, Pittsburg, KS. She began her Vocational Home Economics teaching career in Anderson County. While in Garnett she became reacquainted with fellow Pittsburg State Teachers College student, Technical Sergeant James J. Anderson. They became engaged while he was serving in the US Army Air Force in England. They were married on May 20, 1945 in the First Presbyterian Church, Cherokee, KS. Their early-married life was spent in Nevada and Arizona where Jim was stationed. When Jim was stationed in Las Vegas, Mary worked at the USO. While working at the USO Mary learned of the end of World War II and Jim later joined the celebration. After the war Jim completed his degree in Pittsburg, while Mary taught Home Economics in McCune, KS. Jim returned to Garnett to assist in the family business at Anderson Motor Company, while Mary was a full time homemaker. Born to the union was Betty Jane, April 4, 1949 and Margaret Ellen (Peggy) February 14, 1952. Mary was active in the First United Methodist Church and community activities including the Tuesday Study Club, Psychology Club, Eastern Star, DAR, and several bridge clubs. She was invited to join Chapter Y PEO in 1953 and enjoyed the fellowship and activities of the organization for sixty years. In 1959 Mary resumed her teaching career at Welda High School. Next, she taught at Greeley High School and finished her teaching career at Garnett High School. Her students affectionately called her Mom. Mary had a deep love for family, friends, and students. Mary enjoyed making her home a gathering place for family and friends. She ministered to others by organizing and preparing church dinners, making homemade candy for neighbors, and taking communion to the homebound. Her acts of kindness will be remembered by many. One of Mary's joys was traveling. She was fortunate to travel to all fifty states and many foreign countries. Her last major trip was a Caribbean cruise, which she shared with her daughters and grandsons, Dr. Scott Forbes and James Peregrine. In her later years Mary lived with her daughter, Peggy, and grandson, James in St. Joseph. She continues to be an inspiration to many for her devotion to God and love for family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband James John in 1988; siblings: Virginia Olive Schwab, Dr. John Lewis Schwab, and Katherine Schwab Cansdelle. Nieces and nephews: Jeannie Taylor, Rick Anderson, Wesley Freeman, Michael Heusted, Elizabeth Schwab Carpenter, and Susan Cansdelle Larkin. She is survived by: daughters Betty Jane Forbes of Morgantown, WV and Peggy Peregrine of St. Joesph, MO; grandsons Dr. Scott Forbes of Philadelphia, PA and James Peregrine of St. Joseph, MO. Nieces and nephews: Gail King, William Schwab and wife Karen, and children Amy Holtman (children Jessica Watts Trumbo and Mitchell Watts) and Brian Schwab. David Carpenter and children Jonathan Carpenter and wife Carla, Sarah Carpenter, Rachael Crawford and husband Rob Crawford (daughter, Elizabeth) Lisa Knapp and husband Dave Knapp (children Maxwell Lisska, Hayden Knapp, and Keegan Knapp). Claude C Anderson III (Sonny), Robert Anderson, wife Carolyn, children: Warren (wife Lori, daughter Loren) and Rebecca Meier (husband Eric, and children Jett and Ellie); Lauree Wright (children Brandon Heusted, Amanda and husband Mark Foltz, (children Kirsten Freeman, Lane Freeman, Evie Foltz, Bella Foltz, and Jack Foltz). Joshua, wife Sara and (children Chastin, Alexander, Kiera and Sophia). Jennifer Anderson and children Kayla and Marshall. Kristen Anderson and children Alyssa and Abygail. Mary and Jim desired to provide higher educational opportunities for area students. A scholarship fund is being established at Pittsburg State University in their memory. They can also be honored through donations to Chapter Y PEO scholarship fund or the First United Methodist Church Garnett, KS. Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, P.O. Box 408 Garnett, KS 66032, is accepting memorial contributions to the scholarship funds, or any charity of your choice.