Gwendolyn Ruth Anderson

Gwendolyn Ruth Anderson, 93, of Ogallala, passed away on May 29, 2023, at the Ogallala Community Hospital.

Gwen was born October 6, 1929, at Loup City, Nebraska, to Atholbert "Bert" and Helen Marie (Campbell) Chase. She attended school in Loup City before graduating from Broken Bow High School. Gwen subsequently attended Kearney State College before earning her Master's in education at the University of Northern Colorado.

After college, Gwen moved to California, where she worked in banking for a season of her life. She married and was blessed with two daughters, Judy and Janet.

After a few years, Gwen and the girls moved to Grant, Nebraska, to be closer to family. Gwen reconnected with education, taking a teaching position at Venango Public Schools.

In November of 1968, Gwen married Albert "Andy" Anderson. The couple made their home in Ogallala, where she finished her teaching career at the age of 62.

Gwen was a woman of faith, service, and impeccable organization. She was a lifelong member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Her dedication was unyielding, her faith unwavering, and her heart was always eager to serve. Always an active participant, she involved herself in various activities the church offered over the years, but she was particularly fond of her weekly Bible study.

Gwen was a longtime member of the Eastern Star. She loved to play Bridge with friends and always enjoyed the camaraderie that came with it.

Gwen was a respected teacher by profession, known for her dedication and discipline in the classroom. She extended this commitment to her own home, which was always spotless and in perfect order. A testament to her exceptional organizational skills, everything had a place and was always in its place. Her house looked like it was out of a magazine, pristine and inviting, a true reflection of the woman who made it a home.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband, Andy Anderson; grandson, Shawn Shaul; great-grandson, Devon Park; step-son, James Anderson; 2 brothers, Paul (Lynda) Chase and Bob (Mary) Chase.

Survivors include her daughters, Judy (Eddie) Shaul of Harrisburg, and Janet (Sam) Gill of Ogallala; stepdaughter, Gladys McCalla of Ogallala; 7 grandchildren, Lindsey, Derrick, Anna, Aimee, Sammy, DJ and Michelle; great-grandchildren, Bretton, Matthew, CJ, Adriana, Isaac, Nicolle, Cory, Lydia, and Vincent; a special friend, Rita Shimmin of Ogallala; along with many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the First Congregational United Church of Christ or Eastern Star in Gwen's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be held on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 10:00 am at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Ogallala, with Pastor Lisa Hadler officiating. Interment will be held at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery prior to the service.

A memorial book signing will be held on Thursday, from 5 pm until 7 pm, at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.