Mona Jean Anderson

Mona Jean was born on November 8, 1933 to Roberta Imogene and Ernest Irvin Shearer in Hurdland, Missouri. Her brother Carl to follow in September 1935. When she was 2.5 years old her family moved to Dixie, WA because of the depression and dust bowl draught. Her father worked for the farmers in the area. They moved to Hanford when she was five using a wagon her dad had built. They bought a house that her mom, Roberta fixed up and made a home, while Ernest built a pond, chicken house and lawn.

Mona went to the local school and when in fourth grade the atomic plant was started. Ernest and Jean were required to sell their home and move to a temporary home in Sunnyside, WA. There was no electricity so they just camped there until Ernest got papers to work at the Bonneville Power Station near Spokane. They loaded up their wagon again to live in town near Hillyard, WA.

In 1944 Ernest, Jean, Mona 10 and Carl 8 moved into a little house on 10 acres in Foothills on Morrison Road. One more move for the wagon. After that, it was just used as a hay wagon. In the spring of 1947, Mona was 13 years old. A student from Whitworth College gave a message at church that she responded to by accepting Jesus Christ into her life. Her friend Elaine and Marilyn did also. While attending West Valley High School they prayed together for their unsaved friends in a little room off the library. Mona's mother, Jean came to know Christ shortly after and Mona had the privilege of leading her father to Christ while in his 50's.

Mona graduated from West Valley High School in 1951 and took a job in Spokane, where she shared an apartment with one of her girlfriends. Later that year she and Elaine McLaughlin moved to Seattle to attend Lutheran Bible Institute. They both, intended to go into full time ministry.

Mona and Cliff Anderson were married July 19, 1952 at Foothills Methodist Episcopal Church with Pastor Bill Mai. Steve was born in 1953, followed by Colleen in 1954, Cindy in 1956 and Randy 1959.

In 1964 Cliff and Mona answered the call to become full time ministers. Cliff attended Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, OR. Mona worked at the Bible College in the business office and loved the interaction with all the young students. Together, Cliff and Mona, along with four children, pastored churches with an emphasis on the Bible Clubs, youth group, Friendship Bible Coffees and Bible studies in the home. They took young people to summer camp, Bible College visitations, Basic youth Seminars, ladies retreats as well as conferences .Together, they facilitated winter camps and family camps. Two attendees of the youth group, bought into the plan and joined the family. Del Abbey marrying Colleen and Joel Bedient marrying Cindy.

They were privileged to minister to the communities of:

Charlos Heights, Montana, Paskenta, CA, Cottonwood, ID, Mollala, OR, Fernwood, ID, Prescott, WA.

After 32 years of ministry, Mona and Cliff retired and moved back to Foothills in 1999. Mona became a caregiver to Cliff recovering from cancer, her mother Jean in her elder years, and Steven who had been injured at work.

Mona's role changed but the beautiful soft spoken and very sweet spirit that characterized her remained and touched many lives. She was such a delightful lady with a sparkle in her eye. She loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. As a daughter, she loved her daddy deeply and was very loyal and devoted to her mother.

As a wife she was a co-partner and covenant sweetheart to her husband.

As a mother she nurtured with kindness and purposefulness. She had given each of her children to the Lord (the Lord gave them back) and expected God to use them for His glory.

Mona was very loyal as a friend. She made deep friendships at each community where she served.

Mona loved her grandchildren and prayed diligently for them to receive Christ. .

Mona has 4 children, 15 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren at last count, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

Mona loved to paint. She painted lovely cradles, rocking chairs, birdhouses that Cliff cut out from wood. She was a gifted seamstress and sewed beautiful dresses. Quilting and crocheting as well as baking pies and cinnamon rolls were all things she enjoyed making and sharing with others.

As was mentioned earlier, Mona was caregiver to her mother, Cliff and Steve all at the same time. Shortly after Grandma Shearer died in 2006, Cliff's health took a downward turn which required the one who had received care while recovering from a broken neck, to become the caregiver. Steven Carl Anderson stepped into a role and calling that neither he or anyone else would have imagined. At first it was driving Cliff to Doctors appointments. As Mona's health also deteriorated Steve became chief cook and overseer of the home. After Cliff died Steve was the sole caregiver for Mona. We as a family are so very thankful and proud of what Steve did for his parents. He has truly been a blessing and God's provision.

Cliff passed away on April 9, 2017 around Easter time at the age of 86. Mona also passed away in April on the 2nd, around Easter on Good Friday 2021 at age 87.

After 64 years of marriage and 4 years apart they are together rejoicing together before the throne of God! Hallelujah! What a Savior!