Linda Jane Anderson

Born Linda Jane Proctor in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the youngest of three (with two brothers both a decade older than her) she learned to adapt fast to the world around her. As a result, Linda was never bored. As a child she was a founding member, along with her parents Bill & Arlene, of the Tulsa Rock and Mineral Society; she graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Anthropology; packed up her kids and life to move to Saudi Arabia in the late 1970s; collected and lectured on antique sewing tools and techniques; led many gaggles of kids in everything from songs to archery as a Campfire Counselor; served as an officer of the Egyptian Studies Society at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science; dug up dinosaur bones in Utah with Dr. Bakker’s team; volunteered at Hiwan Homestead Museum in Evergreen; Completed the Lakewood P.D.’s Citizens Police Academy; and so, so much more.

She was also the very epitome of a writer. She kept journals all her life writing about her myriad experiences. She sought out other writers and writing events, attending many conferences and classes over the years, and routinely becoming life-long friends with the authors she met. She completed multiple “Clutter Mystery” novels that she was always polishing (and working on the next one) and was a member of the Old Possum Writers group, from the early days when it still met at the Broomfield bookstore that gave it its name, until she passed.

Perhaps most of all she loved family, and that didn’t require shared genes. She was married 57 years to her husband Lloyd and doted on their kids and grandchildren, planning “grandma trips” every summer with endless options for entertainment and education. But her love and compassion didn’t have limits. It was well known that if the front porch light was on at the Anderson house, guests were welcome. There were always drinks and snacks available, and she played second mother (or sometimes just mom) to many of her kid’s friends as they grew up - crocheting countless graduation Afghans to keep them warm as they went off to college or whatever life held in store for them.

She is survived by her husband Lloyd H. Anderson; daughter Tadari Ahles and her husband, Frank Martinez; her son Dirk and his wife, Lori; and five devoted grandchildren.

A celebration of Linda’s life for friends and family will be held 6:00 p.m., Thursday July 20th, 2023, at the Kendrick Lake Park Shelter, 9351 W. Jewell Ave., Lakewood, CO, 80226. This was one of Linda’s favorite places to walk (alone and with friends), to sit and write, and to just enjoy the world around her. Please dress comfortably for the heat (absolutely not formal, Linda wouldn’t stand for it).

Memorial donations may be made to:

The Jefferson County Library Foundation at: https://www.coloradogives.org/donate/JeffCoLibrary

Please choose the option to add a dedication and provided Linda’s name.