Ilene Lucile (Wakefield) Anderson, 95, passed away on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, in Dayton, Ohio. She was born on January 25, 1923, to Esther Marie (Griffin) and Basil Arnum Wakefield. She was raised near the Twin Butte’s, west of Butte, on land that was homesteaded by her great-grandfather, George Washington Clay Gillespsie.
The original stone home is still on the property. As a girl, Ilene loved to attend school, as well as work on her grandfather, (John Alfred Griffin’s), farm. She loved their horses, especially her horse, Flory.
She attended a country school in early years, and also Anoka and Butte schools in later years. She graduated from Butte High School, and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree for Elementary Education and attended the University of South Dakota at Springfield, and Wayne State College, Wayne, NE, while raising her family. She taught for 40 years.
Ilene loved to write poetry since her childhood, and the family cherishes her writings to this day. Her career began with teaching in country schools in Nebraska and South Dakota. She also taught public schools in Bristow and Butte, Nebraska, also Fairfax, Bonesteel, Burke and Gregory, South Dakota.
Her last few years of teaching were at the Word of Life Christian School in O’Neill. She treasured receiving the many loving notes and gifts from her students over the years. She spent many hours decorating her school rooms and bulletin boards.
Ilene was married to Garlen Wayne Anderson on August 11, 1954. To this union, three children were born: Randy Lee Anderson, DeMaris Glee (Anderson) Waters, and Troy Garlen Anderson. Ilene was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grand mother, sister, aunt, teacher and friend to all who knew her.
She was very unselfish and caring, and put others’ needs ahead of her own. She had a beautiful alto voice, and her children can recall her dancing through the house singing as her husband, Garlen, played the organ. Ilene loved to hear her children and grandchildren sing and play instruments; it was a joy to her heart.
She loved to attend church with them. She could be found throughout the day kneeling to pray to the Lord and for her loved ones. Her children also recall the many times she would kneel and pray early in the morning and at bedtime.
Ilene was always busy, and never idle. When she wasn’t teaching, she was providing meals on site for Garlen and their sons, Randy and Troy, as they worked in a family business, Anderson & Sons’ Construction. She loved accompanying them when they went hunting, fishing, and golfing.
She enjoyed time with DeMaris at home doing special projects, cooking, shopping, and attending ladies ministries events. Ilene was Women’s Ministries President at the Butte Full Gospel Church, and also hosted ladies “Prayer & Share” events in her home to encourage one another and study the Bible. Ilene had a heart and a vision for the Lord.
She took special note of those less fortunate and would deliver food and clothing to them whenever she could. Survivors include her son, Randy (Holly) Anderson of Springview, NE; daughter, DeMaris (Ben) Waters of Sidney, OH; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and nieces, nephews, and a multitude of friends. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Julie; her son, Troy; her parents, Basil and Esther Wakefield; step-father, William (Bill) Edwards; and siblings, Elva Davis, Leonard Wakefield, and Jeannie Pfeffer.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, November 5, 2018 at 10:30 A.M. at Full Gospel Church in Butte, Nebraska. Pastors Roger Wendt, Tim Hazen and Tyler Wilterding will officiate, with burial in Butte City Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church.
Brockhaus Funeral Home in Spencer, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.
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