Iona Anderson

Iona May (McConniel) Anderson was born December 19, 1930 to Owen McConniel and Esther (Kanne) McConniel. She was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She grew up in rural communities in and around Canton, South Dakota until she left school moving to Sioux Falls to work and help support her family. She met and married Arnold Anderson and they were joined in matrimony for 47 years after which they remained bonded by an unexplainable love and attachment to each other. She devoted much of her life to caring for her family--constantly on the lookout for bargains so she could share with her children. Often times making trips to Texas in order to deliver these goods to whomever needed them most. Coming from humble beginnings, her sights were always set on making sure she saved for the leaner times, from baking bread to growing her own vegetables and canning them to use during the winter months. Her work at home was to make sure everyone had clean clothes, nutritious meals and guidance whenever they needed it?both spiritual and civic. With constant toil and unwavering spirit, she made her house a home for everyone she loved. If she could lend a hand to someone in need, she?d gladly do it without hesitation and never expect anything in return. She had a very caring spiritual family and enjoyed treating them as her extended family, always willing to give of herself in any way she could. Aside from her duties at home, she worked as a cook at the airport in her early years and she also provided cleaning services to help make ends meet. Taking care of others in one way or another was something she did up until the very end of her life. She is survived by five children, Iola Murray and husband Jon of Maypearl, Texas, Danny Anderson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Virgil Anderson and wife Jane of Italy, Texas, Kevin Anderson and wife Elley of Midlothian, Texas, Lynnette Gutierrez and husband ?Pete? Rudd of Midlothian, Texas, 17 Grandchildren, 23 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great Great Grandchildren, numerous step Grandchildren and step Great Grand Children; her sister Bonnie Cornelius and husband Kenneth of Texarkana, Texas and a sister-in-law Karen McConniel of Taneyville, Missouri, an Aunt as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Owen McConniel and Esther (Kanne) McConniel both of Sioux Falls; a brother, Orin McConniel of Taneyville, Missouri and a daughter, Lorrie Hanson of Midlothian.