Laura "Pat" Anderson

With calm and an unruffled sense of being, Laura "Pat" Anderson had a way of bringing reassurance and a sense of calm to any situation. Loving, giving and kind, she put others at ease and could light up a room with her often humorous ways. Never short on hugs and kisses, it was a joy to have known and to have been loved by Pat. Born on May 16, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan, Laura "Pat" Putnam was the daughter of Ray Wallis and Amelia Everette (Jupp) Putnam. Laura's birth caused quite a stir in their neighborhood and within the family concerning the ideals of all in 1935. At 42 years old, her mother simply thought she was going through her "change of life" when nine months later, poof, she gave birth to her precious daughter! Welcomed into the world at a turbulent time in our nation's history, the Great Depression continued to plague the U.S. with hardship while talk of impending war was cause for concern. Even throughout these days of gloom, the spirit of America shone bright as Benny Goodman's "The Swing" had many heading to the dance floor and the production of nylon changed the course of consumer goods for years to come. Amid these difficult days, Laura's parents provided for their family. Her father worked as an automotive test driver and mechanic for Henry Ford, and her mother, a homemaker, looked after Laura and her three older siblings, Jane, Charlie, and Peggy. Laura spent her earlier years growing up in the Detroit area and from early on decided she preferred being called, Pat. For a while she helped out in a local candy store, but in time her family moved to West Michigan, settling in the community of Twin Lake. With World War II in full throttle, it was a safe place for their family, and in fear of the Japanese possibly bombing Detroit. They were active in the Episcopal Church, and Pat developed her lifelong penchant for travel forged from her family's many travels. Pat attended Twin Lake Elementary School where she made fast friends. Two of her special childhood friends included Beverly Sterit and Doreen Dyer. She want on to Holton Junior High, and in 1953 graduated from Muskegon High School. Pat's childhood friendship with Beverly remained throughout their lives, even after they both married. They spent many memorable times together which spanned over 60 years. Through a close friend, Pat met the man who won her heart. Willard "Bill" Anderson swept her off her feet and on February 20, 1954 they eloped in New Buffalo, Michigan. Bill's sister, Mildred kindly hosted their joyous after party to celebrate the occasion. Together Pat and Bill shared five wonderful children with the birth of David Wallis in 1956, Lyle Jon in 1958, and Charles Russell in 1959. Dale Willard came along in 1963, and in 1968 they were blessed with daughter, Laura Lynn. They raised their family in their family home on Dalson Road in Twin Lake where many memories were made and shared there over the years. Pat made a good home for Bill and the children, loved taking care of her family, and was an especially dedicated mother. Always worried about her children's well being and having a safe environment to grow up in, she was active in PTA and was very involved with her children's school. Although ever loving, she had a very firm hand, especially with her four, very active boys. Pat did it all, and did it well. Along with raising her family, she worked as a proof operator and teller for over 40 years in the banking industry. For years she worked the second shift, and after coming home each night, she'd begin endless loads of laundry, get a few hours of sleep, and then get up and make breakfast for her bustling household. After cleaning up the disaster from that, she'd make the beds, do more laundry and housework, and then she'd be off to work once again. Pat and Bill enjoyed vacations with their children to visit family in the Upper Peninsula and camping at Blue Lake Park, Walk-Up-Lake, and many other places. Pizza parties were a mainstay at their house, and if everyone brought a six-pack, she provided the pizza! In her free time, Pat loved scrap booking, traveling, and loved just going for simple rides to view the scenery on color tours. Even under duress, Pat had it together. One time, her son, Dale was driving along at a pretty good clip in his big old 1977 Chrysler Newport while taking her from Oklahoma City to Canadian, Texas, and Pat's strength of heart was put to test. Upon cresting a hill, a big, old cow stood in the middle of the road. Dale slid the car sideways to get around it, and Pat just sat calmly, not uttering a word for the next five minutes. She then looked at her son, and said, "Well, my fingerprints will be imprinted in that dashboard forever." Proud of her youngest son, he spared their lives, and no doubt, the cow, too! But that was typical of Pat. She was known for her reassuring grace, and no matter the circumstances, she expelled a feeling of warmth and everything was all right. With the softest hands, she could put her hands to a fevered forehead and face and it seemed to just disappear. She always had hugs and kisses for everyone, and was a fierce protector of her children. Not only was she encouraging, her strength and dedication to anything she set her mind to or to those she loved and cared about was unmatched. Although Pat retired several times, she just kept going back, but eventually retired for good from Muskegon Bank and Trust. She enjoyed a fair amount of travel, especially when she and Bill ventured for two years in their RV throughout the U.S. which was so enjoyable. They met many new friends during this time, and with Pat's fun-loving and humorous nature, it was easy to understand why. Beautiful on the inside and out, Pat was a steady force in the lives around her. With ethical standards, she stood for what was right in the heart of a woman who was loved dearly. Laura P. "Pat" Anderson, age 77, passed away Tuesday, September 11, 2012 in Grand Haven, Michigan. Pat is survived by her children, David (Vickie) Anderson of Allegan, Lyle Anderson of Saugatuck, Charles "Rusty" Anderson of Muskegon, Dale Anderson of Montague, Laura (Randy) Russell of North Muskegon; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; her niece, Ann Scott; many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; longtime, dear friend, Bev (Sterit) England. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willard "Bill" Anderson; and siblings. SERVICE: Saturday, September 15, 2012, 1:00 PM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel-Muskegon with Rev. Tom Champion officiating. Interment at Twin Lake Cemetery. MEMORIAL: To the Anderson Family. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory of Pat, submit a photo and to sign her online guest book. Clock Life Story-Muskegon.