Flora Lavon Andersen

Flora Lavon (Ferrell) Andersen was born Aug. 8, 1942, in Des Moines, to Willard Loren and Zola (Robertson) Ferrell. She passed away on Nov. 7, 2025, at Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, at the age of 83 years, two months, and 30 days. Lavon was baptized at the age of 13 in the Lewis Methodist Church with her parents. She attended country school and the Lewis School, graduating from Atlantic High School, Atlantic, with the class of 1961. After graduation, Lavon attended Airline school in Kansas City. In 1962, she married Rodger Christensen. They had one son, Loren Rodger Christensen.
On Aug. 8, 1982, Lavon married Ivan Andersen. They were married 43 years and enjoyed trips about the United States including an Alaskan cruise. Ivan and Lavon enjoyed two trips to Denmark to visit family. They spent several winters at their condominium in Apache Junction, Ariz., where they developed new friendships. Lavon also enjoyed spending time with the infamous "Dolly," their beloved Shih Tzu, who is known far and wide! Holidays were big events with the Grandkids, making Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter memories. Over her lifetime, she was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, and the Elk Horn Lutheran Church in Elk Horn. Lavon and her Sister-In-Law ran their own monogramming business. She took some training at Iowa Western Community College and worked 14 years at Salem Lutheran Homes as a CNA. She also worked over the years at Variety Distribution, and AmericInn & Suites.
Lavon is preceded in death by her parents and Brother and Sisters-In-Law, John and Jeanene Andersen, Jerolyn Kite, and Ellen Timm. Brothers-In-Law, Edward Furne. Nephew, Bryan Kite.
Lavon is survived by her husband Ivan Andersen, Elk Horn. Her son Loren Christensen of Elk Horn, and his children Katherine Christensen and Hans Karl Christensen, both of Des Moines. Stepdaughter Cindy Gregory of Clarinda, and family Ashley (Scott) Phillips, Cohen, Chandler, Beckett and Brecken of Clarinda. Kaytlynne Gregory and friend Tyler Lupton of Burelson, Texas. Kristen (Patrick) Hayes, Paxtyn and Porter, of Clarinda. Stepson Neil (Stacy) Andersen, Elk Horn, and family, Jessica (Austin) Moeller, Maddie and Henry, of Elk Horn. Shelby (Travis) Kudera, Elenore, Ila, Oliver and Aldin, of Clarkson, Neb. Stepdaughter Gina (Dale) Hansen, Jacksonville, and family Nichelle (John) Hoey, and Anthony, of Winterset. Evan Hansen, Lamoni. Sister-In-Law Ileen Furne of Atlantic. Brother-In-Law Jim (Judy) Esbeck of Tuson, Ariz. Other relatives and friends.
Ivan and his family would like to extend their appreciation and gratitude to all of you who have reached out with phone calls, texts, food, or a visit. Thank you to the many friends and family who have given of their time. Thank You to Myrtue Medical Center Hospice and Dr. Anderson, and The Staff at Salem Lutheran Home.
Public visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Exira.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at Elk Horn Lutheran Church in Elk Horn, with Pastor Laura Webb officiating. Interment will take place following the funeral at the Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery. A luncheon will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the church following the burial.
Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association in memory of Lavon. They may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, Iowa 50022.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Exira.