Keith Anderson 10/9/1920 - 3/9/2024 and Shirley (Schultz) Anderson 11/9/1927 - 9/20/2023

Keith Anderson and Shirley (Schultz) Anderson recently passed into God's loving arms. Both were Christians and shared their faith with others. Shirley was born in San Bernardino, California, on November 9, 1927, and died on September 20, 2023, at age 95. Growing up, she was artistic and loved animals. She planned to attend nursing school, but fell in love with Keith when he was in Victorville for training during WW II. They corresponded while Keith served in the Army Air Corp. They married on January 13, 1946, and expected to live in Washington after the War. Keith was born in Tacoma, Washington, on October 9, 1920, and died on March 9, 2024, at age 103. He had a lifelong love of music and playing chess and the piano. After graduating from high school, he worked for several years, saving his money so he could attend college. He matriculated at the University of Washington Seattle in the fall of 1941 and participated on crew. After Pearl Harbor was attacked Keith volunteered for the Army Air Corp. He flew 30 missions in the South Pacific including dangerous bombing missions over numerous islands. He married Shirley on the way home from the war. From 1946 to 1951, Keith and Shirley lived in Orting, Washington, building two houses and a duplex. Keith worked at the family lumber mill. He was recalled to the military for the Korean War. While stationed at Travis AFB Shirley gave birth to their three children, Mark, Robin and Gary. During Keith's Air Force career, the family moved around the country numerous times. Each year the family went on cross-country drive trips, usually camping. Keith served in the military for 20 active duty years and six reserve years, retiring as a Major in 1968. The family finally moved to 20 acres near Auburn. Over the next 53 years, Keith and Shirley lived their dream of having a farm and traveling the world. In addition, Keith invested in rental properties in the Sacramento area and taught others about the benefits of investing. His children remember him for teaching them piano and many sports. Shirley had a passion for flower arranging and co-founded the Auburn Arrangers Guild. She taught flower arranging and judged flower shows around the state for over 40 years. Together, she and Keith built and planted an amazing garden on two acres around their house, including ponds and waterfalls. The family referred to it as Anderson's Butchart Gardens. Keith and Shirley were married for 77 years. They are survived by their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Keith's enjoyment of a joke and Shirley's skill at sewing are remembered with smiles. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 27, at 2 PM at Auburn Presbyterian Church, 13025 Bel Air Drive, Auburn (530-823-3916). The public is invited.