TRAVERSE CITY - Marilee (Ward) Anderson, 86, of Traverse City, MI, made her transition at 3:06 a.m., on June 26, 2015. After graduating from Walkerton High School (IN) as Valedictorian in 1947, she married Paul L. Anderson on July 3, 1949. They lived in the Walkerton area until she moved into the Traverse Victorian Senior Living Center. Mrs. Anderson was active in the First Presbyterian Church of Walkerton, including many years of service at its Thrift Shop. She was employed as a Teacher's Aide by the South Bend (IN) Community School Corporation, and then as an aide for Head Start. An accomplished pianist and vocalist, she sang in choir both at church and at Studebaker Corporation in South Bend, where she was employed after high school. She also enjoyed various crafts. She and husband Paul enjoyed traveling the US, and she especially enjoyed visiting with her children and grandchildren. The family vacationed in Elk Rapids, MI, for more than six decades, and she got her wish of living in the Grand Traverse area beginning in August 2013. She is survived by her husband Paul of Walkerton, IN, and her children and grandchildren: Dr. Christopher L. Anderson of Tulsa, OK; Dr. Craig A. (Cappi) Anderson of Ames, IA, and their children Brian (Mikel) and Caitlin; and Dr. Carol L. Anderson of Traverse City, MI. She is also survived by childhood friend Donna (Rensberger) Koches, her "adopted" children, Susie Gray, James Desits, Christine Boosi, and her grandcat, Mitchell Anderson. She was preceded in death by her parents, E. Earl and Lucile Ward. Marilee received wonderful care from Munson Hospice and at the Traverse Victorian, where she was known for her good cheer, sense of humor, and unfailing gratitude to the staff. She greatly appreciated family and friends who visited, especially Carol's daily visits, which were a blessing to both mother and daughter. A memorial service will take place at the Traverse Victorian Assisted Living in Traverse City, MI, with Rev. Dr. Douglas T. Anderson officiating, on Monday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m., four days prior to the couple's 66th wedding anniversary. In addition, a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 1, at The First Presbyterian Church in Walkerton, Indiana at 11 a.m., with visitation from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Traverse Victorian Assisted Living or to the First Presbyterian Church of Walkerton Indiana. Please share your fond memories of Marilee at www.CovellFuneralHomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home in Traverse City, MI (231) 946-6515.


Published in South Bend Tribune on June 27, 2015