Veda Ilene Anderson

Veda Ilene (Wright) Anderson’s life was a beautiful story of love, strength, and devotion to family.

Born of nine children in the small town of Tribbey, Oklahoma, Veda learned early the values of hard work, loyalty, and togetherness. She was close to all of her siblings but shared an especially deep bond with her sister Verma Jean-a friendship rooted in love that lasted a lifetime. Veda attended Tribbey High School where she graduated as valedictorian of her class of five.

It was at a basketball game in Tribbey, where Veda met the love of her life, Frank “Andy” Anderson. Their meeting was truly love at first sight, and they married on September 11, 1954. Together, they built a life filled with commitment and adventure. As Andy served his country in the Navy and later in the Air Force, Veda embraced the role of an active-duty wife with grace and resilience. Their journey took them across Oklahoma, Texas, California, Kansas, and back home again. Throughout numerous deployments, Veda held everything together, creating a steady and loving home for their four children - Mary, Paul, Kenny, and Richard.

Though Veda became a widow far too soon, she was blessed with 36 wonderful years along side Andy, years filled with partnership, sacrifice, and deep love. Her strength carried her forward, and her heart continued to grow - especially when she stepped into her favorite role of all: Grandma.

Veda took being a grandmother very seriously, and she was exceptional at it. She was the proud grandma of nine grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Sundays often found her hosting family lunches, her home filled with laughter, stories, and togetherness. She rarely missed a school activity, and her house was a constant gathering place for weekends full of grandchildren. She delighted in teaching them how to cook, passing down not just recipes, but love, patience, and tradition. Her storytelling of her childhood connected generations and kept family history alive.

Veda lived a truly selfless life-one centered on caring for others, nurturing her family, and showing up with love in both big and small ways. She was a devout member of the Prince of Peace Catholic Church since 1969, where she faithfully served the Lord, generously volunteering wherever was needed and rarely missing a mass. She was surrounded by a family who loved her deeply, and her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched. She was the matriarch of her family, and her absence will always be felt, but her love, wisdom, and gentle strength will continue to guide her family for generations to come.

Veda passed from this life on January 9, 2026, at the age of 90. Those who preceded her in death include her parents, David Higgins and Pearl Ruby (Hickey) Wright; her husband, Frank “Andy” Anderson; brothers, Lewis Wright, Warren Wright, Jim Wright, and Ralph Wright; sisters, Marie Perkins, Barbara Lacy, and Verma Jean Sisson; grandchildren, Kenny Anderson and Andy Russo; and great-grandchild, Andee Kay Thornbrough.

Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Mary Thomason and husband, Mike; sons, Paul Anderson and wife, Jackie, Kenny Anderson and wife, Cheryl, and Richard Anderson and wife, Laura; sister, Marilyn Wilson; grandchildren, Kim Russo, Chad Thomason and wife, Kara, Casey Thomason, Kenna Gilstrap and husband, Trevor, Kaylee Christenson and husband, Nate, Colby Anderson and wife, Jessica, Caitlin Kincannon and husband, Kade, Kade Anderson and wife, Grace, Claire Anderson, and Janaa Anderson; great-grandchildren Jesse, Jacob, and Alyssa Russo, Logan Anderson, Ellie Thomason, Makenzie Smith, Harlow Keller, Anna and Ander Thornbrough, Will Christenson, Beckham and Scarlett Gilstrap, Casyn and Emory Anderson, and Ryleigh, Ryan, and Reese Kincannon; great-great-grandchild, Micah Russo.

Family will formally greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Kincannon Funeral Home in Altus.

A Rosary will take place at the Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Altus, Oklahoma, on Friday, January 16th, at 9:30 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial following at 10:00 a.m. The burial rights will take place immediately following at the Altus City Cemetery.

Online memorial tributes and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.