"Art Anderson, senior scientist at physiol and pharmacol in the vet school, introduced me and his wife Rose Ann during my PhD program 1970-'76. This couple was unfailingly kind to me. Their taking me on their drive to Rose's relatives in Louisiana was a needed break during a difficult time. We e-mailed after I left but sadly were unable to meet again. My deepest sympathy goes to her family."
In loving memory of
Rose Ann Anderson
December 24, 1935 - May 22, 2013
Rose Ann Anderson died Wednesday, May 22, at Israel Family Hospice House in Ames. Rose was born December 24, 1935 in Ogden, Iowa as the daughter of Morris and Florence (Broussard) Cooper. Rose was delivered by her grandfather, Dr. Thaddeus Constantine Cooper, at home in the family farm house.
She graduated from high school and attended Iowa State University. She married Arthur Raymond Anderson in 1955 in Ames, Iowa. Rose worked at Iowa State University as the Administrative Assistance in the Departments of Agriculture and Statistics, where she also served as AFSCME Union Steward, retiring in 1998. While her children were young, Rose taught piano lessons, playing organ at both St. Cecelia and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Churches in Ames, as well as many other churches. During this time she also studied music, organ performance, worked as a nurses aide, and volunteered as a Girl Scout leader. While studying music, she performed with Musica Antiqua, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra Choir, and other musical groups.
Rose strongly identified with both her Iowa heritage and her Cajun roots, which revealed itself in her love of both the music and the food (especially crawfish, boudin, sasparilla, and pralines, which she carefully taught some of her children to pronounce prah-lenz, not pray-leans). Many people are aware of Rose's deep love of beauty in art and music, her incredible creativity with crafts, and her delight in games. She enjoyed competitive bridge, strategy and word games, and many types of literature and books.
Fewer are aware that she collected kaleidoscopes and stamps, was an avid rockhound, climbed Baldy Mountain in New Mexico, delighted in the memories of sitting on stage with Victor Borge, and had a long standing correspondance with Peter Schikele of PDQ Bach fame.
Her favorite flowers were pansies, lilacs, and African violets. Her favorite colors were turquoise, raspberry, and purple. Her favorite meal at Hickory Park was a Saucy Southerner followed by a David's Delight with extra malted, but her children fondly remember her lasagna at family holidays. Her favorite music ranged from classical (Bach and Chopin), through ragtime and world music (especially Cajun and Irish), to pure pop (ABBA and Mannheim Steamroller). She favored playful music, and was known to secretly dance to especially joyful tunes when she thought no one was looking. Her hobbies are too numerous and wide ranging to list, but she is especially remembered for her generosity, creativity, and teaching with her papercrafts, rubber stamping, quilting, tatting, and decoupage. Beyond "Mom" and "Rose" or "Rose Ann," she was also called Rosie by her mother, as well as Mama and Mamacita by some of her children.
Rose is survived by her children, Patricia Anderson of Ann Arbor, Michael Anderson of Nevada, Amy (Brian) Hauge of Boone, Mary Goddard of Plattsmouth, David Anderson of Madison, Peter (Jim Pilliod) Anderson of Santa Rosa; four grandchildren, Zera Anderson, Luke Veninga, Scott (Megan) Hauge, and Kristina (Alex Danielson); and six great-grandchildren, Jake, Brayden, Carter, Nathaniel, Ethan, and Liv.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Connie Cooper, and a son-in-law Michael Goddard.
Online condolences may be directed to http://www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com/
Tributes
"Just found out Rose Ann had died. Would love to hear from her children. I am her 1st cousin (daughter of James Broussard. My email is jsonnier7347@att.net. My Phone number is 337-339-2555. I would love to hear from them. I also grew up away from the Broussard family."
"I had the privilege of seeing Rose for her allergies for many years.Always pleasant, gracious, and kind. She was a wonderful lady and it was our privilege to care for her Sincerest condolences to the family Edward G. Nassif MD"
"I had the pleasure of serving Rose Ann when i worked at Walmart Pharmacy in Ames. She was a wonderful lady, and will be greatly missed. I will never forget what a wonderful lady she was to serve. "
"To Mike, and the family of Rose, I send my sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Rose. I met Rose several years ago at Rolling Green in Nevada. She shared a room with my mom, for a short time. Rose gave us all love, kindness, and when we struggled to which room Mom would be in , it was Rose who said she can be with me, that reminded me of our Lords words of saying "when I was homeless your welcomed me home. Now enter into the home of my Father." May God welcome her home with open arms, and may He send peace to all of you. Cathy Bagley "
"I never knew Rose Ann Anderson, but I would like to reach out with sympathy to the family, especially to Dave Anderson as he and the rest of the family and her friends go through this difficult time."
"To Rose's family, I met your mom at the secretaries association org; she was always so pleasant and had a smile for everyone. She was very dedicated to the group; I'd visit with her at Fareway too. May God comfort you all now in the days, months, and years to come. Put a video of her on when you are missing her ... hearing her voice/laughter and watching her gestures and mannerisms. MAKE COPIES OF THESE 1ST before you wear them out. ;)"