Rebecca Saunders Anderson

Rebecca Saunders Cutler Anderson, 86, of Bedford, Va., passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2008, at the Bedford Memorial Hospital. She was the daughter of the late William Hammett and Lucy Smith Saunders of Bedford. She was born in Winding Gulf, W.Va., on February 23, 1922. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Harry L. Cutler, of California, and Col. John B. Anderson, of Smith Mountain Lake. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Stuart T. Saunders; and two sisters, Virginia S. Garrison and Frances S. Hawkins. Surviving are her daughter, Patricia A. Cutler, of Mill Valley, Calif.; a son, David H. Cutler, of Sacramento, Calif.; four grandchildren, William and Rebecca Wheeler and Brandon and Chelsea Cutler, all of California; one sister, Margaret S. Walton, of Huddleston; and a sister-in-law, Jean A. Schaefer, of Roanoke. She is also survived by her beloved Scottie, Nikki; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Rebecca grew up in Bedford, graduating from Bedford High School. She attended Longwood College and worked in Washington, D.C., before marrying and moving to California. She graduated from California State University at Long Beach, Calif., and worked for the Welfare Department of the State of California until retirement. After the death of her first husband, she married Col. John B. Anderson and moved to Smith Mountain Lake. She later moved to the Elks National Home. She was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church. She had been active in The Garden Club of Bedford, The Friday Book Club, The AAUW and belonged to several bridge clubs. A graveside service will be conducted 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2008, in Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Tammy Franklin officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethesda Methodist Church Building Fund, 14340 Wyatts Way, Huddleston, Va. 24104. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, December 16, 2008, at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, Va., 540-586-3443. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.