Debra Kay Anderson

Debra Kay Anderson, 59-year-old resident of Onamia passed away Thursday, Dec. 19, 2013, in her home surrounded by her loving family after battling cancer for nearly five years. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, at Holy Cross Church, Onamia with Pastor Kris Johnson officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26 and one hour before the service at Holy Cross Center. A private burial will take place at Foster Cemetery on Cove Bay. Memorials can be made out to Mille Lacs Area Health Foundation or the Mille Lacs Health System Home Care/Hospice. Arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Onamia. Debra is survived by her husband Kevin Anderson of Onamia; son Chase Michael of Minneapolis; daughter Whitney Jean (Ryan Patchin) of Minneapolis; grandson Harper Patchin; sisters Nancy (Cecil) Johnson of Staples and Judith Adams of Minneapolis; niece Natalie Adams of Minneapolis; aunts Eleanor Chase of Moose Lake and Marlys Chase of Minneapolis; mother-in-law Jean Anderson of Bloomington; brothers-in-law Stephen Anderson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Thomas (Sharon) Anderson of Maplewood, Joseph Anderson of Wahkon, Erik (Stacy) Anderson of Saint Louis Park; sisters-in-law Marie Anderson of Minnetonka, Anita (Michael) Cook of Minneapolis, Michelle (Marlin) Uden of Onamia, Lori Anderson of Minnetonka; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents. Debra was born on Sept. 16, 1954, in Battle Lake, to Howard (Bud) and Marian Chase. She moved with her family to Northeast Minneapolis in 1956 and then soon moved to Richfield where she attended elementary and high school. She graduated from Richfield High School in 1973. Debra graduated from Augsburg College in Minneapolis in 1977 with a degree in elementary education and a minor in library science. Debra ‘Ms. Chase’ was hired in Onamia to teach second grade in the fall of 1977 and remained with the Onamia School District for 33 years, teaching second grade for 19 years, first grade for seven years, library for six years and one year in ECFE. She touched many lives during her tenure. Debra married Kevin Anderson on Dec. 19, 1981, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Onamia and they had two children: Chase Michael (29) and Whitney Jean (26). She was part of a monthly bridge club. She was involved in Bethany Lutheran where she sang in a number of choirs, taught Sunday school, performed in “Godspell” and “Song of Mark” and served on the council. She was involved in the Mille Lacs Community Theatre performing in “Working,” “Steel Magnolia” and “Annie.” Her greatest joy was spending time with family, especially with her grandson Harper. She will be remembered for getting excited at the sight of a rainbow, having a kind word for everyone she met, an infectious smile and kind gentle demeanor. Memories of her will be greatly cherished by all who came in contact with her.

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Debra Kay Anderson

September 16, 1954 - December 19, 2013