Carol Cherry Anderson

Carol Cherry Anderson, 82, of Bella Vista, Arkansas died Thursday, September 18, 2025 at her home. She was born May 25, 1943, in Turlock, CA to Buz and Harmony Cherry.
She was preceded in death by parents, first husband.
Carol is survived by husband, Charles I. Anderson; son, David James Porter; daughter, Linda Raya; stepchildren: Michael Anderson; Mark Anderson; Mary Alatorre. Sister: Shirley Cherry Welch; Brother: Douglas Lee Cherry; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
Carol graduated from Turlock High, Cal State, Stanislaus and Cal State, Hayward where she earned her master's degree in educational psychology. She also had dual degrees in Journalism and Psychology. Among various awards, she earned "Reporter of the Year."
She was a published author of 5 inspirational novels which honor military families. Her faith-based novels are inspired by true stories. The first 3, a trilogy, ended with her personal favorite, Love Lights on Monterey Bay, which is also featured in a YouTube book trailer. All novels are on Amazon. She always felt that God inspired her written words. She published a children's book, Grandpa and Muffin Rescue Christmas, which is in honor to her husband and their dog.
Her careers included being a newspaper reporter; college admissions counselor; vocational career counselor. She lived in central California and the San Francisco Bay area for many years, as well as Monterey Bay for a while, which is the setting of many of her novels. Besides the Midwest, she lived in FL and North Carolina. Hawaii, her favorite vacation place, is another setting of her books.
Carol's prior married name was Carol Cherry Porter between 1964–1983. She remarried in 1987.
She was a member of New Life Christian Church, Bella Vista, AR, where she and her husband were active in small groups and on the welcoming committee. She was also active in visiting the ill and shut-ins in the community.
Organizations that Carol had been active in over the years included the California Federated Women's Club, where she served as local President and as a district Vice President. She had also served as a board member of the Stanislaus Boy Scouts of America and served as a den mother. In addition, she was a 4-H leader, Sunday School Superintendent and Bible School teacher. She was an occasional volunteer in various classrooms for her children. One of her most memorable volunteer activities was when she served as a chaperone on a California Jr. Scholarship award trip to Washington D.C., NYC, and Boston.
Carol had a passion for life which she liked to share with her family. She loved to travel, having been to Europe, Africa, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as most of the USA. Her hobbies have included writing, gardening, sewing, fashion designing, photography, and boating.
Her wish for those who want to honor her is that they would do a random act of kindness daily for the next week. For those who wish to give, a donation to The American Heart Association would be appreciated.
Visitation for Carol will be held Tuesday, September 23rd from 1pm until 2pm at New Life Christian Church, Bella Vista. Funeral service will begin at 2pm with interment to follow at Bella Vista Memorial Garden Cemetery.