Mary E. “Mike” Anderson was born in Fort Wayne, Ind. She began her singing career at age three with a solo rendition of “Away in a Manger” at her family’s church. Mary began her performing career around the same time, dancing naked in the upstairs front window of her home. The youngest of four children, she enjoyed a happy childhood. Mary attended Purdue University and at a party one evening, she spotted “Andy” Anderson (who also spotted her!) They married March 19, 1949. Her daughter, Sally (Favors) was born in Anderson, Ind. The young family moved to California and welcomed daughter, Susan (Anderson-Newham), shortly thereafter.
Mike and Andy lived in Los Angeles for over 30 years, surrounding themselves with loving family and wonderful friends from work, the neighborhood and the Prince of Peace Episcopal Church. In the early 1960s, Mike joined a women’s chorus, The Woodlandaires. From that came The Heritage Singers, Party of Four, Three of a Kind and Two-Party Line. During the Vietnam War, the small groups toured Military bases with the United Services Organization three different times through Guam, Japan, Thailand and the Philippines. They also performed at County Fairs all over California and produced several recordings. All the while, she devotedly raised her daughters instilling in them a love of camping, singing, reading, sports and musicals.
In 1988, Mike and Andy retired and bought a beautiful home in Reno, Nev. She kept them both very busy; traveling, camping, playing some video poker and enjoying cocktails and the remarkable view from their front deck. She sang in choruses, helped to form many more singing groups and soon joined the Sheep Dip family; a performing group who write, produce and present a hilarious variety show roasting Reno and politics every year. Mike made costumes, wrote lyrics, took photographs and shone from the stage for over 25 years, obtaining her masters of Sheep Dip and doctorate of Sheep Dip (Is there a Doctor in the house)? Her barbershop quartet, with her original lyrics, was always a highlight of the show.
In 1998, Mike entered the Miss Senior Nevada contest and won both Most Talented and Miss Congeniality. Her beautiful deep singing voice and exuberant spirit touched so many people. She never shied from an adventure and made friends wherever she went. Her broad and lively smile charmed everyone.
Mike and Andy moved to Chehalis, Wash., in 2014, to be closer to their girls. Andy passed away in 2015, and Mike continued to live on her own becoming a cherished part of her neighborhood and her beloved St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church. She sang tenor in the church choir, was a very popular lector and participated in many church presentations. Mike’s hilarious performance as flower girl at her granddaughter, Evelyn’s wedding, will never be forgotten. She continued to craft, sew and cheer for the Mariners, as well as hold her family close. Mike's talent, joy, indomitable spirit and wicked sense of humor will never be forgotten by those who knew and loved her. She truly was a force of nature.
Mike passed away at home, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Sally and Robert Favors of Onalaska, Wash., and Susan Anderson-Newham and Mick Newham of Tacoma, Wash.; granddaughter and husband, Evelyn Panayi and Gary Panayi of Tacoma, Wash.; brothers, Roberts Crankshaw of Olympia, Wash., and Bill (Marilyn) Crankshaw of Lexington, Ky.; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held Saturday, July 28, 2018, at 1 p.m., at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 1826 SW Snively Ave., Chehalis, followed by a reception at the church.
Memorials may be made to St. Timothy Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 277, Chehalis, WA 98532 or the Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library, 400 N. Market Blvd., P.O. Box 419, Chehalis, WA 98532-0419.
