Helen “Rometta” (DeBow) Anderson, of Chehalis, passed away peacefully at her home with her family nearby on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023.
What a blessing it was for the Lord to call her home on the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. A couple of weeks before her passing, she was so fortunate to be able to celebrate her 100th birthday with over 300 family members and friends.
Rometta was born in White Plains, Missouri, to the late Romie and Hazel DeBow on Dec. 8, 1923. In 1935, during the Dust Bowl, severe dust storms swept through the Great Plains and forced them to move west to Washington state. Rometta was the third of five children. She attended Adna schools and graduated in 1941. On July 16, 1941, she married the boy next door, Joe Anderson, who was the love of her life. The Lord blessed them with two sons and a daughter. She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother who was deeply devoted to her family.
Rometta was preceded in death by her parents, Romie and Hazel DeBow; sons, Gary and Mike; siblings, Mildred (Henry) Pope, Wilma DeBow and Dale DeBow; and her son-in-law, Paul Bayne. She is survived by her siblings, Christle Scheuber and Ralph (Joye) DeBow; her daughter, Gail (Anderson) Bayne; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and her extended family.
Joe and Rometta moved to their home in 1945, where they raised their family. She always invited family and friends to take a seat at the kitchen table for hot coffee, delicious desserts and conversation. Rometta will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and she will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.
Rometta worked for McMillan Nursing Home as a nurse’s aide for 10 years and then worked for the Lewis County Treasurer's Office for 15 years before retiring. She was the last living charter member of the Seattle Children's Hospital Agate Auxiliary, and over the years she made colorful blankets, hats, scarves and muslin dolls dressed in adorable hospital gowns for the children undergoing treatment. She and Joe were also charter members of the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that donations be made to the Lewis County Gospel Mission, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Veterans Memorial Museum, St. Jude’s Hospital, Chehalis First Christian Church or to the charity of your choice in Rometta’s name.
A viewing is scheduled for 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 South Gold St., Centralia. Pastor John Johnstone will officiate the graveside service at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Claquato Cemetery, 142 Stearns Road, Chehalis. A celebration of her life will be immediately following at Veterans Memorial Museum, 100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis, where a light meal of sandwiches and desserts will be served.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries.
