Rebecca Saunders Cutler ANDERSON

Rebecca Saunders Cutler Anderson

Rebecca Saunders Cutler Anderson, 86, of Bedford, passed away Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008, at the Bedford Memorial Hospital. She was the daughter of the late William Hammett and Lucy Smith Saunders of Bedford. She was born in Winding Gulf, W.Va. on Feb. 23, 1922.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Harry L. Cutler of California and Col. John B. Anderson of Smith Mountain Lake. She was also preceded in death by one brother, Stuart T. Saunders and two sisters, Virginia S. Garrison and Frances S. Hawkins. Surviving are her daughter, Patricia A. Cutler of Mill Valley, Calif.; a son, David H. Cutler of Sacramento, Calif.; four grandchildren, William and Rebecca Wheeler and Brandon and Chelsea Cutler, all of California; also one sister, Margaret S. Walton of Huddleston; and a sister-in-law, Jean A. Schaefer of Roanoke. She is also survived by her beloved Scottie, Nikki, many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Rebecca grew up in Bedford, graduating from Bedford High School. She attended Longwood College and worked in Washington, D.C., before marrying and moving to California. She graduated from California State University at Long Beach, Calif. and worked for the Welfare Department of the State of California until retirement. After the death of her first husband, she married Col. John B. Anderson and moved to Smith Mountain Lake. She later moved to the Elks National Home.

She was a member of Bethesda United Methodist Church. She had been active in The Garden Club of Bedford, The Friday Book Club, The AAUW and belonged to several bridge clubs.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008, in Oakwood Cemetery with the Rev. Tammy Franklin officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethesda Methodist Church Building Fund, 14340 Wyatts Way, Huddleston, VA 24104. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008, at Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Bedford, 586-3443. To send condolences, please visit www.tharpfuneralhome.com.