Debra L. Anderson

IN LOVING MEMORY: DEBRA LEE ANDERSON January 10, 1945 - May 8, 2020 We know how happy you are to be reunited with Swede, your mate for over 45 years who passed away almost a year ago, with Deena your daughter who died at age 34, and with Gabrielle your granddaughter whom God took back at birth. What a royal welcome you must have gotten from them, our parents Wayne and Ruth Jaeger, Grandma Cleora Morrison, siblings Ronnie and Connie and many other loving relatives and friends as you returned to God’s fold. We also hope the final ride home on “Jesus’ boat” — an expression you've used in describing your Christian faith — was easier than your courageous fight throughout your recent illness. You are the gracious, stoic heroine of your life story who faced each personal loss or difficult role without complaining, acting victimized, envying others with carefree lives, or losing faith in God's goodness. Your brave and lovable ways can only be described as “sorely missed" by close family and friends whom you've left behind. Because you’ve cared so deeply about our daily welfare amid your own troubles, we wonder who will give us healing help in the future or cry the heart-felt tears when we depart. You’re also honored for your mindful habit of showing kindness, caring and humility in personal relationships…your respect for reason, intelligence and intuitive perceptions in dealing with life’s challenges…and your active interest in alternative spiritual paths, healing arts and scientific findings about the mind and body. We also admire your artist’s eye for unique gifts and your avid support of local artists who became first-name friends throughout your faithful attendance of annual art events in Kearney. You not only acquired their art pieces for display, but also incorporated their creations into your own seasonal tabletop and front entrance designs, and landscape installations. When approaching age 75 in the past year, you often arose early to appreciate a sunrise or paused to end the day with the setting sun. You loved your morning coffee, then listened to music for the soul, and enrichment programs on the internet for spiritual and personal growth. Throughout the day, you guardedly watched the changing patterns of weather, kept up-to-date on world news and personally contacted your political representatives over issue concerns. You also reached out daily to family or friends through phone or e-mail, and gladly welcomed the neighborhood adults and children into your home for visits or special occasions. You faithfully fed the squirrels and birds gathering around your backyard feeder for peanuts and seeds, and you were also a literal "tree hugger" who revered the human connection with the largest and smallest of trees like those planted behind your house on a neighboring lot. In the spring, you joyfully anticipated the arrival of the Sandhill cranes and their departure around Easter. However, you’ll be remembered most for devotion to family members and friends in times of illness or emotional need, like eight years as a caretaker during Swede’s chronic illness, and as an advocate for your sister Connie throughout her cancer-related complications. You’ll be cherished as a true and loyal friend by those who eagerly sought your company or valued counsel, and will be remembered fondly by many others who provided you with home and business services, groceries, the seasonal arts and craft items and gifts you needed from local stores like the “ladies of Tripps Shopping,” and the medical, hospital and in-home health care services for Swede and then you. However, your greatest impact will come from your never-ending interest in children of family, friends and past and recent neighborhoods, and especially those with physical and learning disabilities whom you helped throughout your professional career with a M.A. degree in special education, and a certification as a regional public-school Special Education Director. We send you off with our fervent wishes for a smooth transition to your heavenly realm, hope you know in your heart-of-hearts how blessed we feel about our past intermingled lives, and deeply mourn your loss because we miss you and “luv you, luv you, luv you” so much! * Your brother Sid and sister Carol for the Jaeger Family * Debra Lee (Jaeger) Anderson, age 75, of Kearney passed away Friday, May 8, 2020 in her home after a short illness. A private graveside service will be held at the Kearney Cemetery with Pastor Melody Adams officiating. There will be no visitation. Sympathy cards may be mailed to the Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral Home (in care of the Family of Debra Anderson) at 2421 Avenue A, Kearney, NE. 68847. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services of Kearney is in charge of the arrangements.

Tributes

Debra L. Anderson

January 10, 1945 - May 8, 2020