Lela Ruth Andersen, the daughter of William and Mae (Kirkman) LeClaire, was born on March 6, 1921, in Everly, IA. When Lela was 16 her father passed away and Lela went to live with her aunt and uncle in Rosholt, SD. Lela graduated from high school in Rosholt in 1939. Following graduation, she attended beauty school in Minneapolis, MN and then worked in Winona, MN. On September 1, 1943, Lela entered into the military, serving in the U.S. Women's Army Corp. stationed in New Guinea. Lela was honorably discharged on November 6, 1945. After her military service, she went to Des Moines where she obtained her license in Cosmetology.
Lela married Erling "Andy" Andersen on May 17, 1946 in Jackson, MN. Following their marriage, they lived in Webb, where they owned the Webb Caf� for 37 years. Lela also had a beauty shop in the same building and she also helped in the cafe. After retiring in 1983, Lela enjoyed, golfing, traveling, visiting with people, dancing and most of all spending time with her family.
Lela passed away on January 15, 2009, at the Longhouse Residence in Spencer at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 1987; 3 sisters and 2 brothers.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Diane Martin and her husband, John of Black Hawk, CO; her son, Barry of Tempe, AZ; 3 grandchildren: Rheanna Edenburn and her husband, Paul of Indianola, IA, Kara Martin and her husband, Ryan Donahue of Seattle, WA and Ryan Martin of Seattle, WA; 2 great-grandchildren: Emily and Zach Edenburn; other relatives and friends.
SERVICES
Funeral services will be held 2:30 P.M., Saturday, January 17, 2009 at the First Baptist Church in Webb, IA.
OFFICIATING
Rev. Don Andrews
CASKET BEARERS
Bill Boese
Wendell King
Craig Woodford
Mark Hopkins
Don "Rusty" Hoover
Bill Sexton
Honorary Bearer
David Hopkins
VISITATION
Visitation will begin one hour prior to the funeral services at the church.
MUSIC
Organist - Faith Fogelman
Congregational Hymns
"Beautiful Savior"
"Be Still My Soul"
INTERMENT
Garfield Cemetery
Webb, Iowa
Military Services will be conducted by the American Legion Graeber-Rowe Post #394 of Sioux Rapids, Iowa