Lois Anne Anderson

LOIS ANNE ANDERSON Lois Anne Anderson, 94, died Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Paramount Community Living and Rehab in Newton, Kansas. She was born on November 8, 1931, in Wuhu, China, to her missionary parents, Paul G. and Helen (Wolf) Hayes. Lois was born in China but came to the United States in 1935 when her parents completed their missionary assignments in China. By the young age of 3, Lois had already traveled 4 continents, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. Lois would later add South America to her continent tally, traveling a total of 5 continents. Lois spent her early years in North Dakota and Minnesota and graduated from Bismarck High School in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 1949. On May 30, 1953, she married Jay W. Anderson at The First Methodist Church in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Lois earned her undergraduate BA degree from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a BS degree from New Haven State Teachers College (later Southern Connecticut State College). Mom worked various jobs and taught second grade in New Haven, Connecticut, while Jay attended Yale Divinity School. Lois taught elementary school in Ashland and Lyons, Kansas, and was head of the volunteers at Pratt Regional Medical Center in Pratt, Kansas. One of the greatest joys in Lois's life was traveling. Lois had the privilege of traveling the world with Jay for both fun and mission trips. Israel, China, and Kazakhstan were three especially memorable trips they took. They were members of the First United Methodist Church in Newton, where Lois and her husband Jay enthusiastically served in many capacities through the years, including mission work. Lois sang in the choir, played in the bell choir, and was a member of various United Methodist Church circles. She held leadership positions in PEO, enjoyed DAR, and held an annual Holiday Open House around Christmas time. Lois loved spending time with her loving husband, Jay, and daughters Cathy Sullivan, Lori Stephens, and Julie Murray; grandchildren Reuben and Will Sullivan; Ben Stephens and Emily Bryant; and Michael and Matthew Murray. Lois and Jay have 6 great-grandchildren, Savanna, Ethan, Ellie, Sara, Lois Jayne Bryant, and Max and Luke Murray. Celebration of Life service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the First United Methodist Church in Newton, Kansas with The Reverend Kim Andrews presiding. Private family interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery Newton, Kansas, following the Celebration of Life service. The family will greet friends at a luncheon in the fellowship hall of the church following the graveside service. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home 215 North Main Newton, Kansas 67114.