Karla Jane Anderson

Karla Jane Luciani Anderson, born on the 25th of May, 1948, in Pendleton, OR, was a beacon of joy and creativity, touching the lives of those around her with her boundless energy and love. Sadly, on the 11th of October, 2024, the world became a little dimmer as she passed away in Bakersfield, CA due to ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease).
From a young age, Karla exhibited unparalleled zest for living that was evident in her smile and warmth. Born to George (deceased) and Beatrice Luciani (deceased), Karla grew up alongside her siblings Sheila Cozad, Patricia Matheny, and John Luciani. She found her life partner, Douglas Anderson, at a 4H camp in the 4th grade, setting off on a lifetime adventure that would see their love blossom and nurture a beautiful family. Karla and Douglas welcomed their daughters Tiffani Alvidrez and Shelby Leininger, who went on to marry Adam Alvidrez and JC Leininger, respectively. Karla's pride and joy were magnified with the arrival of her grandchildren: Alexander Ridley, Madison Smith, Kyle Smith, Sebastian Alvidrez, Maxwell Alvidrez, Charlotte Leininger, and Eleanor Leininger.
Karla's academic pursuit in Fashion Merchandising at Bassist College in Portland, OR, laid the foundational zest for aesthetics that she would carry throughout her life. Her professional journey was diverse and rich, with over 50 remarkable years working as a cook during the summer harvest. She also stood as an invaluable assistant in her husband's landscape contracting business. Karla was not just an amazing homemaker; she was an iconic mother, grandmother, baker, seamstress, painter, and maker of stunning stained glass windows.
Her contribution to the community was significant, with longstanding involvement in 4H, where her youthful circle expanded, and her impact deepened. Karla's legacy of nurturing continues through the seeds she planted in the lives she enriched. Her affinity for her equestrian roots was illustrated by her role as a rodeo princess in the Morrow County Fair and Rodeo Court, where she paraded with her cherished horse, Honey.
Karla's personal interests were a colorful tapestry of culture, art, and love for nature. She sought out recipes, weaving culinary magic for those she adored, and was often found enveloped in the melody of her favorite tunes. Travel was not simply a pastime for Karla-it was her way of embracing the world, with over two decades spent in Egypt, where she immersed herself in the ancient allure of its museums. She shared her passion for finding hidden gems with her daughters during endless hours of treasured hunts in malls and antique stores.
Sewing, quilting, crocheting, and the delicate craft of stained glass creation were not just hobbies but avenues for Karla to scatter bits of her soul into the world. Every stitch, every piece of glass, was an artifact of her essence. And the love she held for animals was unmeasured-every creature that crossed her path felt the tenderness of her care.
Karla's life taught us about true dedication-to family, to craft, to community, and to selfless love. She was the epitome of the words loving, creative, and selfless; there were no lengths she wouldn't go to for those she cherished. As a motivational lodestar, she inspired all to live with openness to experience, to pour heart into every endeavor, and to light up every room with the kind of warmth that originates from a kind and generous spirit.
Let her life be a time capsule of exuberance and kindness. As we celebrate the legacy of Karla Jane Luciani Anderson, let us remember the laughter, the love, the art, and the indomitable spirit that danced through her days. May we continue her example, greeting life with open arms and a heart ready to give. Though she has left this earthly realm, her luminous influence will continue to guide us, like the North Star, always present, always bright.