Elizabeth "Liz" Anne (Mathis) Anderson

Elizabeth Anne “Liz” Anderson; AKA-Bet, Cousin Wiz, Miss Liz and Babe 

Elizabeth was born on March 29, 1934, in El Reno, Oklahoma, to parents Earl and Gretchen (Zais) Mathis.  After a brief illness, she passed away on April 22, 2023, at Harris Southwest Hospital in Fort Worth, TX.  Her daughter, Lisa Kaye was by her side.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale, of 63 years and her parents.  She is survived by her beloved daughter, Lisa Kaye Anderson of Fort Worth; her brother, Cleve Mathis (Susan) of Palos Verdes Estates, California; and her sister, Dorothy M. Gay of Millen, Georgia.  Also, Elizabeth leaves behind many family members who loved her dearly, including cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and blended family members.   Burial will be held later.   

Elizabeth was reared on a farm.  She learned hard working values early in her life, which included how to plant vegetables and rose gardens.  Most of her family’s meals were provided from the fruits of their labor.  Her favorite pet was a goat named Buddy.  Her interests in high school were glee club and singing.  When she sang, she sounded like Pattie Page.  She sang solos in her high school play, Showboat.   

Elizabeth married Dale Anderson, in Riverside, California, when Dale was starting his career in the United States Air Force.  They started their family life in Riverside, California. 

Elizabeth had an infectious personality, which enabled her to be the perfect military wife.  She made many life-long friendships while living in the locations where her husband was stationed.  They moved three times in their air force life.   The first air force base after leaving Riverside, California was in the Black Hills of South Dakota, then they moved to the beaches and mountains of California, with their last stop in the sprawling plains of Texas.  After her husband’s retirement, they lived in Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas.     

Elizabeth always managed to find employment in the areas where she lived, such as insurance offices, brokerage firms and public schools.  She was supportive of her daughter’s school activities and chaperoned many trips to the beach in the summer.    

After Dale retired from the United States Air Force, they joined the Retired Gunners Air Force Association.  Elizabeth volunteered at the reception table greeting old and new acquaintances.  She never met a stranger.  At home, she especially enjoyed chatting with her neighbors.   

On the weekends, Elizabeth and Dale took drives in the country.  They knew every hole in the wall restaurant in Texas to have breakfast.  Many times, they were joined with friends on these outings.  Elizabeth was an exceptional cook.  Her family preferred her cooking to any meal outside of the home.  Her potato salad qualified for a blue-ribbon award.    

Elizabeth’s spiritual gifts were having a servant’s heart and being an exceptional caregiver.  She was always ready to open her home to family and friends in need.  She travelled across states to provide care to her family.  When her husband Dale got dementia, she insisted on being his primary caregiver.  This was a tough road for her, but somehow, she made it through.    We believe our Heavenly Father will greet her with his message, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  

In Lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to:  John Stallings % AFGA (Air Force Gunners Association),  

702 Doral Dr, Marengo, IL  60152