MARY LOU ANDERSEN was welcomed into heaven by our Lord Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, November 9, 2009, at the age of 77 years.

Mary was born on February 27, 1932, to Leo and Leola (Huffman) Murphy in Decatur, Nebraska.  She graduated from Decatur High School in 1949.

On May 28, 1950, Mary married Darrell Andersen in Lyons, Nebraska. To this union were born three children:  Randy, Debbie and Beth. The family resided and farmed in rural Decatur for over 50 years.  The last two years were spent at the Pleasant View Care Center in Whiting, Iowa, with many loving caregivers. 

Mary's many passions included attending her children's and grandchildren's sporting events, decorating her home, wallpapering and painting, frequenting the casino, and spending time with her grandchildren and dear friend, Darlene Smith.  She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church and Lutheran Ladies Aid in Decatur. 

Loved ones preceding her in death are her parents; sister, Evarine (Glenn) Brewer; infant brother, Morris Murphy; and grandson Brent Dye. 

Loved ones surviving are her husband of 59 years, Darrell; her three children,  Randy (Marilyn) Andersen, Debbie (Steve) Dye all of Decatur,  Beth (Greg) Verbeek of Tekamah; six grandchildren, Andrew (Lesley) Andersen, Jamie (Andy) Patel, Keri (Rich) Clark, Lana Dye, Adam (Tracy) Andersen, Kristen (Ryan) Ingram; six great-grandchildren; sister, Maxine Bartell of Sacramento, California; brother, Leonard Murphy of Big Flat, Arkansas, sister-in-law, Betty Farrens of Decatur; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

"We love you wife, mom and grandma, and know that you are now at peace."

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday, November 13, 2009, 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Decatur.

VISITATION: Thursday, November 12, 2009, 1 - 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 - 7 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation Friday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur, Nebraska

MEMORIALS: To the Family

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