Obituaries : Beverly K. Anderson

Beverly K. Anderson, 89, of Grinnell, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, surrounded by the family she spent a lifetime nurturing.

A private family graveside service will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery in Grinnell on Monday, February 16, 2026. A public visitation and luncheon will be held from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Monday, February 16th in the Buckley Dining Room at the Mayflower Community in Grinnell.

Memorials may be designated to the Grinnell Christian Church or to the Mayflower Community Human Needs Fund and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Bev's family online at www.smithfh.com.

A Life Defined by Devotion

Born on June 5, 1936, in Grinnell, Beverly was the daughter of Harold Farmer Long and Mildred Lillian Manor. A proud member of the Grinnell High School Class of 1954, her life took a romantic turn when she was set up on a blind date with a young soldier, Edgar Clark Anderson, who was home on leave from the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

The spark was immediate. Following his service, they were married on July 31, 1954, in Cedar Rapids, beginning a 59-year journey of faith and family. They made their home in Grinnell, where Bev's house became the heart of the family-a place always filled with the energy of her children and, eventually, an army of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lived a lifetime of love which she showered down on her family every day.

A Vibrant and Welcoming Spirit

To those who knew her, Bev was defined by a remarkable, enduring energy. She possessed a youthful spirit that only seemed to brighten with age, meeting every new member of the family with a sincere warmth that made everyone feel as though they had always belonged.

She was the family's greatest memory-keeper. As her family grew to include dozens of descendants, she remarkably kept every story and milestone straight. Her home served as a gallery of this devotion, always surrounded by photos of the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren she so loved to share stories about.

Bev's zest for life was reflected in her many interests. She and Edgar were true partners in adventure, visiting 49 of the 50 United States and spending many happy winters in Mission, Texas. At home, she was always ready for an activity, whether she was line dancing in the garage, working through a jigsaw puzzle, or showing her competitive streak in board games, card games, and even computer games well into her 80s. An avid reader, she cherished her quiet moments as much as the lively family gatherings she hosted with such joy.

Service and Legacy

A long-time member of the Grinnell Christian Church, Bev also dedicated her time as a volunteer for the gift shop committee at the Mayflower Community.

Bev is survived by her seven children:

• Mike and Saundy Anderson of La Porte City, IA

• Jackie and Jack Morrison of Grinnell, IA

• Denny and Robin Anderson of Pinedale, WY

• Marla and Rodney Van Soelen of Pella, IA

• Shari and Mike Mertens of Ankeny, IA

• Julie and Mike Roderick of Grinnell, IA

• Jennifer and John Williams of Grinnell, IA

Her legacy continues through 22 grandchildren (and their 18 spouses) and 48 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Anderson; her parents, Harold and Mildred Long; her siblings: Maynard Long, Roger Long, and Sharon Oliver; and her great-grandson, Ethan Walker.